Mostly Clear, 49° F
(Dec. 4, 2007)
Donald E. Jones died Tuesday, Dec. 4 in Powell of complications from diabetes.
Don, along with his twin brother, Keith, was born in Logan, Utah, Jan. 20, 1923, to Harley and Marie Jones. Don began elementary school in Cody but spent most of his school years in Powell, graduating with the PHS class of 1941.
He attended Civil Service Aeronautics School in Ogden, Utah, and served at Hill Field in Ogden until he entered the Army Air Force — flying with the B-17 bomber as crew chief in World War II. Don received an honorable discharge after three years in the service.
On Aug. 13, 1944, in Hot Springs, N.M., Don married his high-school sweetheart and best friend, Pat Jacobs. Together they were blessed with four children: Kurt, Ken, Kayleen and Kara.
Don was a member of Union Presbyterian Church. He served as an elder and deacon and was a member of the church choir for more than 50 years. Don served as a past commander of the American Legion, was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and was an active participant on the Senior Citizen Center Board of Directors. He especially enjoyed playing cards there.
He and his family homesteaded on the Ralston bench in 1949, and he was a member of the Heart Mountain Community Club. He loved to hunt and fish and spent many days with his family at their special campground on the North Fork of the Shoshone River. Don loved horseshoe pitching and collected numerous trophies as a testament to his success at the sport. He also enjoyed woodworking, music and traveling. On their 50th wedding anniversary, they went on a cruise to the Panama Canal on the ‘love boat.’ Don and Pat supported both high school and college sports events.
Don Jones had a remarkable devotion and love for family. In addition to his loving wife, Pat, survivors include two sons, Kurt (Darlene) of Glenwood, Minn., and Ken (Linda) of Blaine, Wash.; two daughters, Kayleen Jones (Dan DuBray) of Fairfax, Va., and Kara of Billings. Also surviving are grandchildren and their spouses Kyle (Jennie) Jones of Riverton; Kevin Jones of Glenwood, Minn.; Kendi (Josh) Lehman of Lynden, Wash.; Brandi (T.J.) Stach of Bellingham, Wash.; Kelsey (Barry) Stevenson of Fairfax, Va.; Brie VanAtta of New York, N.Y.; Teal Blanco of Missoula, Mont.; and Jade Blanco of Seattle, Wash.; and four great-grandchildren. He also is survived by his brothers, Earl (Opal) Jones of Powell and Harley (Jean) Jones of Ontario, Calif. He was preceded in death by his parents; his twin brother, Keith; and his sister, Myrna Hansen.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services were Saturday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m. at Union Presbyterian Church in Powell with Rev. Mary Davis officiating. Military honors followed the service.
Memorials may be sent to the Powell Schools Foundation Athletic Fund, 160 North Evarts, Powell, WY 82435.
