It is with a heavy heart that I write today to inform you of the sudden passing of Sgt Francis Denton Jones, known to everyone as Denton, who died in hospital on Friday 10 April 2020 aged 83. Denton was admitted to hospital on Monday with COVID-19 symptoms passing away on Friday after losing his fight with the Coronavirus.

Denton enlisted into Territorial Army in Wakefield serving for over 25 years with the KOYLI, and the Light Infantry where he was RAPC attached and was also the Officers Mess Steward. Denton worked for British Railways, he was also a highly respected football referee and a stalwart in his local community serving as a town councillor for twenty-one years and during that time, served as Mayor of Normanton on six occasions. He also served as a governor at Normanton Junior School.

Denton was hugely respected by the all who served with him and his sudden passing has come as a shock to all. Rest in Peace Denton your duty done in the Reserves and to the local community was exemplary. Cede Nullis.

Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, his family, and friends at this sad time.

Denton’s funeral will be held on Friday 24 April 2020. We have no information as to the location or time. Normanton Town Council and the family will hold a memorial service for Denton when restrictions have been fully lifted.

Anyone wishing to send cards or letters of condolence is requested to send them to the Rifles Regional Office at Minden House. Office staff will then forward them to the family.