Memorial service for 'The Mayor' at MillerOct. 21, 2010 KALAMAZOO--A public memorial service for state Rep. Robert B. Jones, who served eight years as mayor of Kalamazoo, will be held at noon Thursday, Oct. 28, at Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium. Tuesday, WMU President John M. Dunn issued a statement to the University community regarding Jones' death, saying "the community and state has suffered an enormous loss, and our University has lost a passionate friend and advocate." Jones died unexpectedly Sunday, Oct. 17, at age 66. The former four-term mayor will lie in state in the atrium of Kalamazoo City Hall from 2 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 27. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Langeland Family Funeral Homes. Jones' death came just two weeks before he was to stand as the Democratic candidate in the 20th District state Senate race against Republican state Rep. Tonya Schuitmaker. Tuesday, Democrats chose Kalamazoo Mayor Bobby Hopewell to replace Jones on the Nov. 2 ballot as their candidate in the 20th District Senate race. Related article Media contact: Thom Myers, (269) 387-8400, thom.myers@wmich.edu WMU News |