C. Clyde Jones, known to many in the community as Mr. Manhattan, died Friday. He was 102.
Jones was the first dean of the College of Business at Kansas State University, and then was instrumental in the development of the athletics department. He also was known for his charitable work and civic involvement.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15, at First United Methodist Church on Poyntz Ave. Visitation and lunch with the family will follow. A private family burial will occur prior to the service.
Born in Huntington, West Virginia on Dec. 21, 1922, Jones spent his youth on the banks of the Ohio River. He attended Marshall College and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in the North Pacific during World War II. Jones was discharged as a lieutenant junior grade.
After serving in the Navy, Jones pursued an education and then began his career as an instructor in the department of business history at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. He went on to hold assistant and associate professor roles at Georgia State University and the University of Illinois before eventually settling in Manhattan.
On his 100th birthday in 2022, Jones recalled the move to Kansas and getting hired to become the first dean of Kansas State University’s College of Business Administration.
“We moved here in 1960,” Jones said. “When I got here, it was my intention to stay three to five years. I’ve had at least 10 opportunities to move to another job. Nothing compares to Manhattan and Kansas State. So I’ve stayed here, and I’ll be here until I’m gone.”
Jones was vice president for University Development from 1966 to 1970, and he was chairman of the University Athletic Council from 1965 to 1975. He was a central figure in planning and financing the 34,000-seat stadium that was the beginning of Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The structure more than doubled seating for football games at that time.
Jones retired from K-State in 1987 but spent time giving back to the community. In 2001, Shepherd’s Crossing was founded as a nonprofit ministry aimed at providing financial assistance and budget counseling to residents. Jones became the organization’s development officer and one of its most vocal cheerleaders.
“That’s an organization that is really dear to my heart,” he said. “I’ve worked with them and for them since 2001; it’s always a joy to me when somebody makes a contribution in my honor. I’m always happy to accept that and give them a great word of thanks.”
He organized the C. Clyde Run (first a 10K and later a 5K) and Midge’s Mile family fun walk as annual fundraiser for the organization in the fall. The latter became a tribute to his late wife Margaret “Midge” Jones, who preceded him in death in 2016. Sunday, Nov. 2, would have been her 100th birthday.
C. Clyde Jones was active even as he passed the century mark. He was a frequent poster on social media, sharing photos and messages about his family and the many friends who visited and helped him. He had a “102.5” birthday party in June and spoke at a K-State business class this fall.
Jones was loved by many for his charitable nature and charm.
“I describe myself as the luckiest man on earth,” he said. “I’ve just had such a good life. I’ve lived a very full life.”
The post Mr. Manhattan, C. Clyde Jones, dies at 102 appeared first on News Radio KMAN.
