Joseph Lester Jones, 31 March 1915

DILLON, MT. – Joseph Lester Jones passed away February 23, 1996 in Dillon, Montana. He as born March 31, 1915 at Cherry Creek, Idaho, to Hyrum Jones and Clara Burkhardt Jones. He was raised in the Cherry Creek and Malad, Idaho area. He married June Williams in the Logan LDS Temple, Logan, Utah, November 18, 1936. They ranched in Malad, Idaho for 14 years before moving to Dillon in 1950. They bought a ranch north of Dillon where they lived for two years. They then purchased their ranch east of Dillon where they still reside.

He was a High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ or Latter-days Saints and served in many capacities.

He served on the school board of Beaverhead County High School for 17 years, from 1958 to 1975. He was instrumental in the building of the B.W. Lodge Gymnasium where he spent many years watching his children and grandchildren play ball. He was County Commissioner of Beaverhead County for two years, during which time he worked to have many county roads paved. He was also a big supporter of the Beaverhead Co. Fair and Rodeo.

Les will be remembered for his honesty and integrity, his hard work and sense of humor. He was a friend to all and always willing to help others. He loved his family and friends. He loved horses, whether he was raising, riding or racing them. He loved to hunt, fish, play golf and dance.

He is survived by his wife, June, and four children: daughter, Vonda Geertsen and husband, John, of Pebble Beach, CA; son, Gerald Jones, and wife, Patricia of Dillon; daughter, Clara Markowski and husband, Harry of Bountiful, Utah; and son, Dennis Jones and wife Kathy of Dillon. They have 20 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

He is also survived by seven brothers and one sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services were held February 26 at the LDS Church in Dillon. Burial was at the Mt. View Cemetery in Dillon.

Family Prayer – Vonda Geertsen, Daughter
Prelude and Postlude Music – Dee Ann Ballard
Conducting – Brother Owen Speirs
Invocation – Cary Jones, Grandson
Musical Selection – The Sounds
Life Sketch – Dennis Jones, Son
Vocal Arrangement – Holly Geertsen, Daughter
Poem – BreAnne Jones, Granddaughter
Speaker – Greg Geertsen, Grandson
Musical Selection – Grandchildren and Sounds with Flute – Jaclyn Markowski, Granddaughter and Violin – Natalie Markowski, Granddaughter
Speaker – Harry Markowski, Son-in-Law
Remarks – John Geertsen, Son-in-Law
Musical Selection – The Sounds
Benediction – Ryan Markowski, Grandson
Dedicatory Prayer – Gerald Jones, Son

Pallbearers – Grandsons: Greg Geertsen, Ryan Markowski, Shawn Jones, Cary Jones, Lance Geertsen, Graden Jones.

Honorary Pallbearers – Brothers: Don Jones, Ervin Jones, Steve Jones, Gene Jones, Robert Jones, Montie Jones, Bill Jones.