MEARLE DEAN JONES

1924 – 2017

Mearle Dean Jones, 92, passed away peacefully in Lodi, CA on Monday, May 29, 2017 with his California family at his side. Born August 4, 1924 in Garber, Oklahoma and having lived and worked throughout the United States, he moved to Lodi in 2009 to be nearer to his children. He attended school and earned his GED during his brief enlistment in the Army Air Corps, and then went on to have an incredibly varied employment experience. He went from oil fields in Oklahoma and Canada; to hydro-electric plants in Washington; and nuclear power plants in Washington, Tennessee, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Texas, and California. He worked on aircraft both for Boeing and for private ventures. He raised race horses and then ostrich. Neither of these turned a profit for him but he loved animals and enjoyed the experiences and the people he met along the way. Never idle, he was installing cable tv for the city of Garber, well into his 80’s.

Dad loved the outdoors which included gardening, birding, fishing, hunting, golf, and had the energy to do it all. Until his recent health decline, he could be found most often sharing his smile and humor at the Village Coffee Shop or Loel Senior Center enjoying lunch and the company of his friends. He spent many hours tending his garden beds at Loel and at his home.

Mearle is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Mearle “Dean” Jones Jr and Peggy Jones of Lodi, CA; his daughter and son-in-law Jordene and Jon Lucas, and his wife Elodia “Dodie” Jones all of Richland Washington. He leaves behind as well the most amazing array of the nicest, warmest friends a man could ask for. He truly enjoyed and appreciated them all.

He will be interred next to his mother Agnes June Simmering Jones in Garber where he will be received and celebrated by his dear surviving cousins and friends. Contributions may be made in memory of Mearle to Loel Senior Center at 105 S. Washington St. Lodi, CA 95240. The family wishes to convey a sincere thank you to the Comfort Care Team and staff at Lodi Adventist Health Hospital for their kindness and support. At his request, there will be no local services.

Please sign the guest book at www.lodinews.com/ guestbook.