Lynne Mowbray

A funeral service was held at St James Anglican Church in Maclean on Thursday last week to farewell Kevin William Jones OAM who passed away on 12 November 2020 at the age of 80.

Throughout Kevin’s life, his years of dedication serving in the army, police force and community saw him greatly respected by many, thus receiving the Order of Australia medal.

Kevin played a huge part within the local community and was a life member of the Maclean United Cricket Club.

In his eulogy, local author and former police colleague Peter Watt outlined Kevin’s time with the NSW Police Force –

‘Former Senior Sergeant Kevin Jones OAM joined the NSW Police Force in 1967 and retired in 1998.

Kevin’s career spanned many years and many parts of NSW. 

He commenced his career at Maroubra and went on to serve in the regions of the Hunter Valley, South Coast, Riverina, Murray River at Corowa, before being posted to Wilcannia as OIC and from there to Maclean as OIC and his final posting, OIC of Byron Bay before retiring to Maclean.

In Kevin’s uniformed service outside of his general duties he held the roles of highway patrol duties, Special Weapons and Tactics member, and superintendent’s driver (Wagga Wagga).

Kevin rose from the rank of constable to senior sergeant before retiring.’

President of the Maclean RSL Sub-Branch, Steve Walton spoke about Kevin’s achievements during his time in the army and involvement with the RSL –

‘Kevin served in the Citizen Military Forces from 1960 to 1979, first in the 2nd Battalion, then the 19th battalion and finally the 1st/19th Battalion of the Royal NSW Regiment. In 1969 he deployed with the battalion to the UK for the investiture of His Royal Highness Prince Charles.

So committed was Kevin to the Regiment that he became a foundation member of the 1/19 RNSWR Association.

Kevin achieved the rank of Warrant Officer Class 2 and as a Company Sergeant Major he would concern himself with the training, discipline and welfare of his soldiers. This natural concern for the well-being of others would reveal itself throughout Kevin’s life.  Others will no doubt speak of Kevin’s impact on so many people in so many places, which ultimately saw him awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in acknowledgment of his selflessness and community spirit.

What I can say is that Kevin worked hard for veterans and their families and for the memory of those who did not return. For many years as a member of the Maclean RSL sub-Branch Kevin took on the role of welfare officer and led the commemoration committee. He was the most recent past president of the RSL sub-Branch (for 15 years).

We should all be thankful for Kevin’s life and for his service to Australia. In recognition of that service Kevin was awarded:

Reserve Force Medal, National Medal, Australian Defence Medal and Efficiency Medal.’