CATHOLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION REMEMBERS DAVID A. JONES, SR.

True Champion of Catholic Education

Largest Family Benefactor in Foundation’s History

 

(Louisville, Ky.) – The Catholic Education Foundation of Louisville (the “Foundation”) acknowledged with great sadness the passing of Mr. David A. Jones, Sr., Humana’s Co-Founder, unsurpassed civic leader, quiet philanthropist, and sage mentor and friend to so many in Kentucky and around the world. He was 88 years old.

Foundation President Richard A. Lechleiter remarked, “David and Betty Jones were a bedrock of strength and commitment that has propelled this Foundation since its beginning in 1995. They understood quite well the life-changing value of Catholic education and its importance in shaping the social and moral culture of this community.”

Mr. Lechleiter continued, “For nearly 40 years, David was a true friend, mentor and encourager to me beginning with my first days of work at Humana in 1981. Like so many in this community, I can say with great confidence that whatever success I had in my career was largely attributable to David and the other senior executives at Humana during my twelve-year tenure there.”

“When I was considering a career change in 2014 to join the Foundation, one of the first people from whom I sought advice was David Jones. It was a short meeting. He advised me to make the move – and make an impact quickly! Shortly following that meeting, he and Betty made a $1 million commitment to the mission of the Foundation – the largest single gift in our history. And there were several other large gifts that followed, all without any publicity or fanfare.”

“Over the past five years, he has encouraged me to do more and never relent in my role at the Foundation. That is the way I will always remember the impact that he and his family have made on this organization and the thousands of Catholic school families who have thrived because of his endless love and generosity.”

Mr. Lechleiter concluded, “The entire Jones Family remains in our prayers and intentions as we all mourn David’s passing. And, as he taught us all so well, we will march onward to do even greater works.”

About the Catholic Education Foundation and Catholic Schools

For over 200 years, Catholic schools have contributed significantly to the social, spiritual and economic fabric of our community. The Catholic Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the growth and vitality of Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Since 1999, the Foundation has awarded over $37 million in support of Catholic education. Visit the Foundation at www.ceflou.org.

The Archdiocese of Louisville sponsors 40 elementary schools with 13,100 students and nine high schools with 5,900 students across central Kentucky.