Dennis H. Jones, 87, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on February 13, 2026.  Dennis was born on October 12, 1938, to Mary (nee Testi) and Lucian A. Jones in Centralia, Illinois. After graduating from Big Spring, Texas High School in 1957, he went on to study Electrical Engineering at Texas Tech graduating in 1961. He was a member of IEEE Eta Kappa Nu honor society for top engineering students. He was recognized by Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. He graduated from New Mexico State University with an MS in Electrical Engineering in 1964 while working at Bell Telephone Labs on missile radar and infrared systems. In 1972 Dennis completed an MBA at the University of Dallas.

A brilliant salesman, he found success at IBM, Texas Instruments, and Purolator Security where he moved into Sales and Marketing, ultimately becoming National Sales Manager for a Fortune 500 company.

However, Dennis was most energized as an entrepreneur. For forty years Dennis founded several successful small businesses, managed all phases, and sold them at a significant profit. He enjoyed developing employees, creating a solid basis for their success and making lifelong friends.

Dennis was active in helping other entrepreneurs develop their businesses. He was a leader in the Service Corp of Retired Entrepreneurs (SCORE). In 2006 Dennis was the recipient of President’s Volunteer Service Award.  He received the award personally from President George W. Bush for his volunteer service with the SCORE Association.

Even at 87, he was fascinated by advances in AI development and how those advances could impact business.

Dennis was predeceased by his father, Lucian and mother, Mary; his aunt, Barbara Abbott; cousin, Mary Dianne Abbott; and cousin Richard Testi.

He is survived by his son, Bradley Jones; cousin, Barbara Abbott Smith; cousin, Sharon Testi; and cousin, Thomas Testi.

Care has been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home East.