Mr Jones, 86, passed away on March 1. A large congregation attended the funeral service at Yarrawonga Uniting Church on March 8 conducted by Pastor George Elliot.
The eulogy was delivered by youngest son Dr Simon Jones, with tributes from second son Rhys Jones and eldest grandchild Dr Priscilla Rogers (Jones).
At Caulfield Grammar, Trevor graduated from Form 6 with a scholarship to study Commerce and Geography at Melbourne University.
He taught for 13 years at Yarrawonga and Wangaratta High School; a year at Red Cliffs and two in Yarram. In 1979, he won the Victorian teacher of the year award for the Benalla region.
Included in the eulogy by Simon was: “Dad was always very athletic, excelling in running, long jump, cricket, tennis, and, of course, football from a very young age.
“Throughout his football life, he has been variously described as 'a good centre', 'brilliant on the wing', 'superior in the air', a 'clever footballer' and 'outpacing his opponents'. Only 5' 9" he could jump high from a standing start, as one Melbourne newspaper wrote; ‘Kangaroo Jones continues to take screamers’.
“He was the best footballer through his Caulfield Grammar years, awarded the football colours for his blazer in his first year, Form 5.
“He started his adult football with the Old Caulfield Grammarians for one year (where he was awarded best first year player) and Melbourne University Blues for two - where he was awarded the Half Blue honours in 1956 and Full Blue in 1957 for his outstanding achievement.
“He played in the first ever televised game of Aussie Rules for Victoria, beating South Australia at Olympic Park in 1957, and represented Victoria in two interstate intervarsity football competitions in 1956 and 1957. He was a registered player for the Richmond Tigers in 1958 with Tom Hafey.
“Dad played in the winning premiership side of the Yarrawonga Football Club in 1959, also winning best and fairest that year. He polled 18 votes in the 1960 Morris Medal count, the Ovens & Murray Football League's senior best and fairest, finishing fourth.
“Early in 1961, he was invited by triple Brownlow medallist Bobby Skilton, to play for South Melbourne. Instead, Dad captain/coached the Mulwala football team to the Grand Final.
“Dad loved his bride – Yvonne - and was affectionate even to the end - the last night. They met each other at a dance in Wangaratta, sharing the last dance of the night.
“Mum was training as a nurse in Melbourne and Wangaratta, Dad was a new teacher at Yarrawonga High School.
“They were married in this church, previously St Andrews Presbyterian Church, on Monday, 4th September 1961, and enjoyed 61 years of marriage.
“They loved travelling throughout Australia, and overseas; by 4WD along the Oodnadatta and Tanami Track, the Gibb River Road, to the Red Centre and Ayers Rock, right to the top of Cape York.
“Dad loved the outdoors and adventures - boating, camping, fishing and hunting.
“Dad was a man of faith. He became a Christian following the '66 Easter Belgrave Heights Convention. Long term members of the Church of Christ in Yarrawonga, Dad was an elder for 48 years with Mum by his side as an organist.
“In his long service leave, he served as a minister and teacher working with Aboriginal communities (in their tribal council) on Palm Island in Queensland.
“Dad loved his family and probably would say that they are his greatest and proudest life achievement.”
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