Dellwood Mayor Reggie Jones dies at 54, remembered as a steadfast servant

Reggie Jones spent much of his life serving young people, his church and the community he called home. That commitment carried him from the football fields of St. Louis to the halls of government and, ultimately, to the mayor’s office in Dellwood. He spent more than 13 years working to strengthen the city he loved.

Jones died Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, at approximately 12:10 p.m. He was 54 years old.

“It is with profound sadness that the City of Dellwood announces the passing of Mayor Reggie Jones,” the city said in a statement. “Mayor Jones was a dedicated public servant whose leadership, commitment, and love for the Dellwood community touched countless residents, employees, colleagues, and community partners.”

A cause of death has not been released.

Jones was the youngest of six children born to Frank and Ann Jones.

A graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, he was a proud member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. He was also a member of New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church, where he was ordained a deacon in March 2022.

Long before he entered politics, Jones had already established himself as a servant of young people. He served as president of the St. Louis Junior Football League from 1999 to 2013. At the same time, he was building what would become one of the defining relationships of his life — his work with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis.

Jones served as Club Director of the Herbert Hoover Club for three decades.

“For 30 years, Reggie served our organization with unwavering dedication and a loyal commitment to the young people and families of the Herbert Hoover Club,” said Brandon Williams, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. “His love for Herbert Hoover, the city of Dellwood and the community he served was evident in everything he did.”

That same spirit of service followed Jones into public office.

His political career began in 2010, when he was elected to the board of the Riverview Gardens School District. A year later, he was named collector for the City of Dellwood. In 2012, he was elected alderman of Dellwood’s 3rd Ward.

In 2013, Jones became mayor of Dellwood.

He stepped into the position at a pivotal moment for North St. Louis County. Just one year into his tenure, the Ferguson uprising brought worldwide attention to the region.

Dellwood, like other communities in the area, faced the consequences of the unrest. Jones led the city through a difficult period while working to position it for recovery and growth.

Under his leadership, Dellwood passed a $7 million bond issue to rebuild and repave its streets. He also placed an emphasis on bringing residents together through community programming and events — including Dellwood’s annual Juneteenth Festival, which grew into a celebration of Black culture that has become a regional staple.

His leadership style centered on nurturing relationships with the residents he served and the surrounding community.

That was evident again last month when he became part of a story involving 11-year-old Dellwood entrepreneur Keon King Jr., whose lemonade stand had been shut down over what city officials later acknowledged was a misunderstanding.

“We make lemonade out of lemons,” Jones said. “Sometimes the greatest opportunities and strongest relationships can come from a misunderstanding. When handled with honesty, communication and a positive attitude, even difficult moments can lead to something better.”

It was a sentiment that reflected the way Jones approached much of his public life — with an emphasis on communication, relationships and the belief that difficult circumstances could still produce something meaningful.

Jones was selected for the third cohort of honorees of the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders in 2013, an acknowledgment of the work he had already done and the promise of what remained ahead.

In 2020, he was elected Ferguson Township Committeeman, adding another layer to a public-service career that spanned more than a decade.

“North County has lost one of its most dedicated champions,” St. Louis County Executive Sam Page said following Jones’ death. “For more than a decade, Mayor Reggie Jones led Dellwood with courage and compassion. He was a devoted advocate for young people and a public servant who never stopped working to strengthen his community.”

Williams described Jones beyond that of a colleague.

“We are devastated by this tremendous loss,” he said. “Reggie was more than a dedicated employee and leader — he was our colleague, our friend and an important part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis family.”

The Herbert Hoover Club was closed Friday following Jones’ death. On Monday, the Adams Park, Herbert Hoover, Mathews-Dickey and Hazelwood Elementary clubs, along with the Teen Center of Excellence, will be closed to give staff time to mourn.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Reggie’s family and all who loved him,” Williams said. “We mourn alongside you and will forever be grateful for his decades of service, leadership and commitment to our young people and community.”

Jones is survived by his wife of more than 25 years, Rukiya Jones; four children; and five grandchildren.

“His service to our city and the relationships he built throughout the region have left a lasting impact that will not be forgotten,” the city said. “The City of Dellwood is grateful for Mayor Reggie Jones’ service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our community. His legacy will forever be a part of Dellwood.”

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