Clarence Henry Jones (Buck), age 83 formerly of Hazard, KY died Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Hartland/Northpoint Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Lexington, KY. He lived 83 years, 10 months and 15 days.

Buck was a stone mason and a coal miner.

His talents as a masonry extend from extravagant structures in Washington D.C. to small simple perfections in the small towns of Virginia and Kentucky. There was no structure too big, too small, too complicated nor too simple that he couldn't master the skills of this trade. He loved the heat of summer being shirtless to the cold of winter wearing flannel as long as he was placing mud on the trowel and inserting the pieces of his work for the final masterpiece.

Buck primarily worked in the coal mines after moving to Hazard. He found no fear in riding the mantrip to the depth of the mountain. He could be heard whistling upon arrival from the cold covered in the coal dust toting his lunch pail which usually contained a leftover snack for his two children. No matter the work or the job, Buck found happiness in working.

Buck loved nature. He had no formal education; however, he knew of every tree and plant that grew along the mountains of Virginia and Kentucky. He was a self-proclaimed Mountain Medicine Man. He would first attempt "curing" you before taking to professional treatment. He knew all the mountainous remedies for the common cold to a burn.

Buck was a phenomenal gardener. His place always had numerous plots of vegetation that yielded more than his family could use or can. He would often be spotted carrying a 5-gallon bucket of his daily harvest to neighbors, friends, and family. He loved sharing his blessings.

Buck was probably best known for his ability to provide comedic relief in any situation. He was definitely as spirited man that provided a uncontrollable laughter when listening to him. He loved his story telling and making others laugh. He could find the "funny" in all things. He could also find the exaggeration of small details (wink wink)!

Buck was preceded in death by his father, William Henry Jones; his mother, Mertie Itley; his wife, Mary Lea and a host of brothers and sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Tenver Lea (and David) of London, KY; his son, Clarence Henry Jr (also Buck) (and Karla) of Hazard, KY; his grandkids, Kaelah Maralee (and Kyle Feltner) of Berea, KY; Nicholas Kameron (and Ashley) Jones of Owenton, KY; Alexis Bethany (and Justin Lewallen) of Georgetown, KY; and 5 great grandkids: Heidi Feltner, Everlee Hacker, Jack Hacker, Zoey Jones and Emery-June Feltner. Two sisters Ruby Mullins of Clintwood, Virginia, and Phyllis Davis of Dover, Delaware.

Buck's Celebration of Life will be held Friday, January 23 at the Engle-Bowling Funeral Home in Hazard, KY from 5 to 8 P.M. with Merrill David Collins officiating at 6:30 P.M. His ashes will be later scattered with his desire of 3 locations: with his late wife, Mary and his mother and father's gravesites.