Donald Joseph Jones

Jones, Donald Joseph
90, born June 20, 1924 died Thursday,  December 18, 2014.  He was born in Logan, Utah, seventh and youngest child to Idah Caroline Carlson and Leander Thomas Jones.  He grew up in Logan, and upon his graduation from High School, left and hitchhiked to Bridgeport, Connecticut to work at the air plane factory that manufactured the Corsair aircraft used in WWII.  He worked there a couple years, then signed up for and served in the Merchant Marines.  Don was able to travel all over the Pacific and see many islands during his time of service. It was interesting to hear him talk of his time serving overseas.  Upon his release from the Merchant Marines he returned to Salt Lake City and attended and graduated from the LDS Business College.  He then went to work for Dixon Paper Company.  While there, he lived in an apartment complex with his sister Irene who taught school in Salt Lake.  One day while coming down the stairs at their apartment, he was snuggling with a girl on a bench swing and a nice looking gal (Georgia) came out of the apartment and said “Aren’t they a nice looking couple!” being Don with the other girl.  They were in the same ward in Salt Lake and not too long after they starting dating.  Within time they fell in love and got engaged.  They married in Georgia’s parent’s home in Provo on June 20, 1952, which was Don’s birthday and some years Father’s Day too all on the same day.  They lived in Salt Lake for a couple years then Don was transferred to Albuquerque, New Mexico to work for Dixon Paper Co. and Georgia taught school and received commendations for her teaching.  They rented an apartment for a couple years then purchased their home in 1955.  They had three children Carol Ann, (husband Mark Campbell), Barbara Ann, (husband Doug Decker, with four children: Brian and wife Chelsea, Steven and wife Angela, Amy, and Susan), and Robert William (with wife Michele, and one daughter Megan).  They became active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints when Carol was a young girl, and to see him become active was one of the things that made our family so happy.  He eventually served as clerks, counselors in a Bishopric, and eventually was called and ordained as Bishop of the Albuquerque First Ward (congregation) in the Church.  He also served after that in the High Council, Stake Scout Master, and other callings, and was a good support to Mom in her many callings as well.  His favorite hobbies were fishing, camping, going on rides, paying games, going to movies, and other interests too.  From a young kid until just over 10 years ago he would go fishing, and he would be the only one catching when others weren’t.  He had a real gift with the fishing rod.  When he was in 3rd Grade, we won the Ellis School Marble Championship, a real ace shot.  Donald was preceded in death by Georgia Maeser Mitchell Jones.  They were married just shy of 48 years.  Don was a great father, grandpa and friend.  We all have very fond memories of him.  We love you Dad and Grandpa.  He is going to be buried on Tuesday at the Fairview Cemetery at 11:00 am with a graveside service.  To share memories with the family please visit Donald's memorial webpage at www.danielsfuneral.com.    
Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010