Jewell Jones Sweet

Jewell Jones “Shorty” Sweet was born January 19, 1919, near Mankato, Kansas, to Albert Holmes and Cyrene (Jones) Sweet. He was born with a handicap, Jewell was a deaf mute. He was a life long resident of Jewell County, and learned math at Fairview Country School, east of Formoso. He was an accomplished farmer stockman, who never raised wheat in Jewell County. With his brother Harry’s help he learned to communicate. Jewell was a person who could do a task after he saw someone else do it first. If his friend, Wilbur, purchased something new, just a few hours being around Wilbur, Shorty would be ready to purchase his own his farm equipment, and make any necessary repairs. Shorty was a gifted artist, making toys and chalk drawings. He enjoyed watching television, and being with people. In Jewell’s notes that he left, the only thing he ever retired from was raising hogs.

Jewell died Monday, November 24, 2008, at the Jewell County Hospital Long-term Care, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 89 years, 10 months, and 5 days. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Harry; sister, Harriet Sweet;and a niece, Georgie.

Jewell is survived by three nephews – David, Daniel and Duane Pfiester, cousin Frances Hennigan, and a host of friends.

A celebration of life service for Jewell J. “Shorty” Sweet was held Friday, November 28, 2008, at 2:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary Chapel, Mankato, Kansas, with Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle officiating. Music was with Ruth Clegg, organist, and Pastor Thaddeus Hinkle, soloist. Casket bearers were: Gail Neilson, Nick Becker, Matt Becker, Henry Pierce, Cisco Fischer, and Jeff Cheek. Honorary casket bearers were: Paul Pettit, Van Smith, M.E. (Andy) Montgomery, Edwin Wharton, Raymond Wharton, Ronald Bauer, Wilbur Becker, and Neil Becker. Interment was in the Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. The friends suggest memorials to be given to Mount Hope Cemetery Fund, or Jewell County Hospital Long-term Care, activities fund, all of Mankato, Kansas. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.