Labette Community College Announces 2026 Cardinal Generational Family: The Lou Jones Family

The Labette Community College (LCC) Foundation and Alumni Association is proud to announce the Lou Jones Family as the 2026 recipients of the Cardinal Generational Family recognition. This honor celebrates families whose multigenerational involvement has helped shape and strengthen Labette Community College across decades.

The Jones Family will be formally recognized during halftime of the women’s basketball game on Saturday, February 28, 2026, with tip-off scheduled for 1:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend and join in celebrating the family’s legacy.

The Jones family’s connection to LCC is rooted in opportunity, perseverance, education, and service.

In 1948, Louie Jones, who was raised in an orphanage in Oklahoma, was offered a scholarship for football, basketball and theatre at Parsons Junior College — now Labette Community College. His decision to pursue higher education marked the beginning of a lasting family legacy at the institution.

While at PJC, Louie served as a Student Council Representative, competed as an athlete, and participated in theatre productions, establishing a strong foundation of leadership and involvement. During this time, he met his future wife, Doris Fern Whetzel, who was attending Parsons Senior High School in the same building. Doris also participated in the PJC Drum Corps and excelled in sewing coursework. Under the mentorship of her instructor, Mrs. Franklin, Doris developed advanced tailoring skills that led to a successful career working for The Broderick Company. In the clothing industry she became known as a Master Seamstress. After The Broderick Company closed its doors, Doris owned and operated her own sewing business.

Louie and Doris’ commitment to education carried into the next generation. Their daughter, Lou Jones, attended LCC and learned seamstress skills directly from her mother. Lou has consistently supported students through hands-on service, including donating seamstress work for the LCC Spirit Squad.

The family’s legacy continues through Lou’s children and grandchildren. Her daughter Ella, an LCC graduate, and son-in-law Chris Lubbers actively support the college through volunteer service and financial contributions. Another daughter, Jennifer, competed as a student-athlete on the LCC women’s basketball team. Several grandchildren have attended and/or graduated from LCC, ensuring that the Cardinal connection continues into future generations.

“The Cardinal Generational Family recognition tells the story of how opportunity can ripple through generations,” said Lindi Forbes, Executive Director of the LCC Foundation and Alumni Association. “The Jones family exemplifies the heart of Labette through students who became leaders, volunteers who quietly give back, and a lasting connection that continues to inspire. Their story reminds us why community colleges matter.”

Through decades of involvement as students, athletes, volunteers, and supporters, the Jones family truly embodies the spirit of a Cardinal Generational Family. They will be celebrated at halftime of the women’s basketball game on Saturday, February 28.

The Cardinal Generational Family tradition honors families who have supported LCC as students, alumni, volunteers and donors. Each honoree family is recognized at a home athletic event and receives a commemorative award presented on the court. Their family portrait is permanently displayed in the Gallery of Cardinal Generational Families, located in the Zetmeir Family Athletic Complex. Past recipients include the Gary and Shirley Wall family and the Alice and Corky Beachner Family.

For more information or to nominate a family for next year’s recognition, visit www.labette.edu/foundation or contact Forbes at lindif@labette.edu or 620-820-1212.