Leon Weldon Jones
August 14, 1926 - October 27, 2008

Former Palisade resident, Leon Weldon Jones, born August 14, 1926 in Blanding Utah, died Monday, October 27, 2008 at the age of 82. Leon was the son of Marvin Willard Jones and Mary Ann Palmer Jones and the great grandson of Hole in the Rock pioneer Kumen Jones. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, 10 brothers and sisters and one son, Eddie Kay Jones. He is survived by his wife, Mary S. Jones, sons, Leon Kent (Cherie), Lewis "Louie" (LeVida), daughter, Marilyn (Steve) Peeples, one sister, Dora (Thane) Heiner, ten grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Leon and Mary lived in Blanding after marrying while Leon worked in the uranium mines. Leon continued to work at the mines and later found a job working at Dixon manufacturing in Grand Junction where he later became head of maintenance. Mary joined him as an employee at Dixon and they worked together for over 20 years. Leon retired in 1993. After retiring Leon wanted to return to Blanding. Although Mary preferred to stay in Colorado, she supported him in this interest and they sold their Palisade farm in 1995 and moved to their present home in Blanding. Leon was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, were he held many positions continuously until he was physically unable. For many years, he and Mary served in their ward nursery. Leon and Mary were inseparable. They did everything together. When asked recently for counsel from a grandson, he said, "find yourself a wife like Mary". Although his body began to fail him and he lacked much hearing, sight and could barely breath he continued to be as active as possible, looking for new projects and ways to help others, never losing the smile that all who knew him will remember. Leon will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. The funeral for Leon Weldon Jones was held on Friday, October 31, 2008. Leon was buried in the Blanding cemetery.

Published in The Daily Sentinel on 11/11/2008