Purnel Jones, a well known trainer at Delaware Valley tracks in the 1970's until mid '80s, passed away at age 65 following an extended illness on April 16 in Wilmington, Delaware
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Jones was a top runner in distance races while attending William Penn high school in Wilmington. Following graduation, his passion became harness horses. Jones trained a large stable of claiming horses for the greater part of two decades racing mostly at Brandywine Raceway and Liberty Bell Park. His main client was the BMcB Stable, owned by Delaware-horsemen Bill Brooks, Jim McGinnis and Baird Brittingham.
A popular figure around the racetrack, Jones was usually upbeat and joking.
He is survived by three sons, Purnel Jr., Greg and Matthew, grandson, Garrett Jones and a brother, Wayne Jones.
Funeral services were held on April 21 at Gracelawn Memorial Park in New Castle, Delaware.
(Dover Downs)