Cdr. Edwin Nicholas Ed Kones (USN, Retired), 89, passed away in Arcadia, FL on January 30, 2013, following a lengthy illness. Ed was born August 13, 1923, in Castlewood Township, Hamlin County, SD. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served as a carrier-based fighter pilot during WWII in Air Group 80. After the war, Ed worked for several years in Custer, SD, and Wyoming. He was recalled for duty during the Korean conflict and trained WWII pilots to make the shift from propeller to jet aircraft. During his 25-year Naval career, he served on two carriers (USS Hancock and USS Midway) and flew a jet in the 1953 International Air Show in Detroit. He retired in 1968. Ed was a skilled carpenter and built two homes for his family. In later years, he enjoyed gardening and studying the Bible. Survivors include daughters Sharon Cheri Wolner, Tucson, AZ, Ramona Kathi (Don Phelps) Kones, Minneapolis, MN, Rose Marie Pree Spears, Arcadia, FL; grandchildren Christine Wolner, Tucson, AZ, Kyle (Irena Juraite) Wolner, Hattersheim-Eddersheim, Germany, Chris Spears, Arcadia, FL; great-grandchildren Ryan and Ellen Wolner, Hattersheim-Eddersheim, Germany; siblings Shirley Jongeling and Thomas Kones, Castlewood, SD, Joseph (Faye) Kones and Hazel Klos, Watertown, SD; many nieces, nephews, and family. He was preceded in death by his wife Maryalice (Lamoureux) Kones, parents Nicholas Peter and Emily Rose (Huss) Kones, grandson Nicholas Reece Wolner, brother William Bill Kones, Mildred Millie (Czech) Kones, Donald Jongeling, Janice (Tillma) Kones, and Francis Klos. Plans for a memorial service in South Dakota in the spring or summer are underway. Online condolences may be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.