Darren Kent Jones

(1968 - April 14, 2020)

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Darren Kent Jones, 52, died April 14, 2020, at Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo, Texas.

He was born in Laramie, Wyoming, in 1968, to Calvin and Donna Jones.

The family moved to Hereford, Texas, when he was in first grade, and he graduated from Hereford High School with the class of 1986. He attended one semester at McMurry University in Abilene before transferring to West Texas State University where he received his bachelor’s degree in business.

It was also there that he met and later married the love of his life, Jodi, and they set roots in Canyon, Texas, where they raised two beautiful children, Rachel and Matthew.

Darren touched many lives in his short time on this earth. He had a contagious smile that lit his whole face and sparkled in his eyes. Often with that smile came a touch of orneriness. He loved life and always had a positive look on every situation. He never knew a stranger and he valued every friend he ever made. His love for time spent with his immediate family, as well as that of his extended family, was obvious and intentional, and he loved celebrating traditions from his childhood and establishing his own with his family.

He loved life anywhere he was but especially loved spending time in the mountains. He loved being surrounded by God’s handiwork and shared many special times with family and friends. He loved to hunt, fish, hike and snow ski. He loved to waterski and he loved to camp. He did everything in true Boy Scout fashion — always prepared. He was a “fixer” and there was rarely a challenge he could not figure out.

He willingly offered to help anyone in need. He loved Rachel and Matthew with every part of his being and everything they were involved in. He pushed them to work hard and be coachable. He was proud of who they have become and will continue to watch their life journeys with pride from heaven. He threw himself into every one of their activities — celebrating success and comforting during disappointments.

He volunteered willingly whenever the opportunity was given. He loved being in the thick of the action and encouraged, and genuinely rooted for, every participant. He had a knack for knowing each kid and coach by name and remembered everyone from the time the kids started sports to their completion of high school, often following them into college sports.

He was proud to be a graduate of West Texas State University and was passionate about supporting the football and basketball teams. Darren genuinely cared for people and celebrated their successes without an ounce of envy. He was an active member of the University Church of Christ and displayed his love for Christ there and wherever he went. He was passionate about donating blood and gave every chance he could. Darren was an Eagle Scout and was proud to be involved with his son’s early years of scouting.

His passing has left us all with an unfillable void and pain, but we have been lifted up by many who knew him as well as those who didn’t know him personally but were connected through family and friends.

A memorial service will take place once the social distancing restrictions are over and friends and family can travel to celebrate his life.

Darren leaves behind his wife Jodi; daughter Rachel and son Matthew; parents, Calvin and Donna Jones, of Powell; brother Jason and family of Greeley, Colorado; grandmother Lorraine Rood of Powell; mother-in-law Patricia Milton; brother-in-law, Ben Milton, both of Canyon, Texas; and many aunts, uncles and cousins across the United States.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be directed to a memorial fund in his name through People’s Federal Credit Union - Darren Jones Memorial Fund.

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