Lawrence David Jones

Lawrence D. Jones, age 84, passed away peacefully, at his Amado home with family by his side, on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

He was born on June 22nd, 1934, in FT. Huachuca, AZ to John and Inez Jones of the Parker Canyon Ranch.  He graduated from Patagonia High School in 1952. He was very active in sports, playing and lettering in football, track, baseball and basketball. After high School he worked for American Smeltering and Refine Company in Patagonia before being drafted into the Army in 1954. He was honorably discharged as a Pfc in 1956.  Lawrence married his sweetheart, Mary, on January 9th, 1957 and they moved to Flagstaff where he attended classes at NAU. He transferred to the University of Arizona, graduated in 1960, earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

 Lawrence and Mary moved back to Parker Canyon, helped run the cattle ranch until they purchased the Las Jarillas ranch in Arivaca, in 1962. In 1984, they sold the ranch and relocated to Amado.  He turned in his spurs and saddle and shortly after, opened a Napa Auto Parts store at the garage where his nephew worked. After three years he decided to retire. In the 90’s he worked as a Shrimp inspector in Rio Rico before retiring, again. Retirement was not for Lawrence, having worked hard all his life, he decided to go back to work. He picked up a job working for the U.S. Forest Service, and for two of Arizona’s fire season’s, he transported equipment, delivered meals and often drove fire fighters to and from active fires as well as taking them home for a break. Then finally, he pulled a five-year stint working for Walmart in Green Valley in the early 2000’s and retired once again, FOR GOOD.

His most favorite hobby was fishing the Gulf of Mexico. At the drop of a hat, he would pack up the family and head out for a week to ten days. He would spend hours in a boat on the ocean, even if the fish weren’t biting. He loved the tranquility of the ocean. Another hobby of his was working with rod iron, making lots of flower pot holders as well as the rod iron work that graces the tops of the block wall around the house. He and Mary also worked with wood, making cross’s, cradles, and rocking chairs for the grandkids. He loved watching old TV westerns, reading books by authors like Louis L’Amour, Ralph Compton, Tony Hillerman and William Johnstone. When the grandkids were around, they could always coax him into watching a good kids movie by Disney or Pixar.

Lawrence was a devoted husband, father, papa, uncle, friend and good neighbor. He spent most of his life working on a ranch. His hard work ethic, moral values and love for the outdoors were instilled in his children and respected by others. He was a trusted neighbor who would lend a helping hand when called upon at any time. He liked to take a siesta during the heat of day and sleep out on the porch on summer nights with the kids. He often joked about putting work off until “Mañana” (just not today) but rarely, did he put off what he could do today. Lawrence influenced many to speak up when they had an opinion, however, be open, fair, kind and respectful to the opinions of others as well. His gentle demeanor and love for all was displayed daily.

Lawrence is survived by Mary, his wife of 62 years, his children, Kathryn and her husband Jeff, Steven and his wife Renee, four grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a niece and others who lovingly called him “Papa”.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on February 2nd, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Universal Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ at #3 Amado Montosa Rd., Amado AZ, 85645. Join the family afterwards for a meal and be prepared to share stories about Lawrence.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital be made in Lawrence’s honor.  The following link may be used http://giftfunds.stjude.org/lawrencejones

Call (800) 805-5856 if you have any other questions, reference Lawrence Jones.