Thomas D. Jones

Thomas D Jones passed away March 6, 2003 at the Logan Regional Hospital in Logan, Utah. Tom was born in Fairview, Idaho and was the son of Mark Alloid Jones and Mary Louisa Willmore. He was the oldest of 7 children and learned from an early age to work hard. He graduated from Preston High School in 1949. Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1956. He worked at Hill Air Force Base as a Computer Programmer Analyst from 1957 to 1986. He lived the history of computers from punch cards and Big Bertha to laptops. Tom was married to Patricia Elaine Tessmer, March 17, 1956. They had a daughter Diana Marie Jones and lived in Layton, UT. Pat and her infant daughter Christina Ann Jones died during childbirth March 16, 1966. He married Marilyn Matson Porath, July 4, 1970. She had 4 children from a previous marriage, Debbie, Scott, Sherri and Russell Porath. Together they raised their combined family on a mini farm in Mendon, UT He dearly loved his 5 children, their spouses and 13 grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family and was very proud of them. He especially loved his granddaughter Lashell Cherrie whom he helped raise from the age of 8. Tom was a Volunteer Fireman for Mendon City from 1971 to the present time. He gave freely of his talents and service. He loved the challenge of brush and forest fires and was proud of the fact that he could drive the Tender anywhere it was needed and get it back out again. After Tom retired he enjoyed farming, tinkering and puttering. He liked the challenge of fixing the unfixable and had a talent for mechanics. Tom was an eclectic collector of collections. If you needed anything he could find it somewhere. He enjoyed hunting and had an encyclopedic knowledge of firearms. He also enjoyed fishing and camping especially with his family. He liked to bird watch and feed backyard birds and watch them from his favorite kitchen chair. He loved to read and is one of the few people who actually read the National Geographic from cover to cover. Although he never had a college education, he was knowledgeable about many things, especially history. Children and animals were drawn to him. He liked taking care of his ?zoo? and was especially proud of Bozo his talking Green Wing Macaw, and Billow his sweet Cockatoo. Although he always claimed he hated cats, his calico cats Mischief and later Trouble, were his constant companions. His Schnauzer Susie, the old horse, and the rest of the cats will also miss him. Tom was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Although he was not very active he lived a very Christian life and truly loved his neighbor. If anyone had a need, Tom was there. If anything was broken, Tom fixed it. He did not talk much about love, he showed it by example. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patricia Elaine Jones and daughter Christina Ann Jones, and his brother Gary Jones. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Matson Jones, and daughter Diana Marie Jones of Mendon, UT. He is also survived by his step children D?Lynn Cherrie, Salt Lake City, UT. Scott and Anita Porath and Russell and Brenda Porath of Logan, UT, Keith and Sherri Miller of Doyle, CA. His Grandchildren are: LaShell Cherrie, Trevor, Kiley, Tanner, Kinsey and Taylor Porath, Brandon and Nicholas Porath and Krystal, Jake, Karolina, Kelton and Jessie Miller. He is also survived by his siiblings Alfred and Clairene Jones, Alvero and Beverly Jones, and Ramona Barron of Preston, ID, Marylue and Zip Chandler of Rupert, ID and Tira Jones the wife of the late Gary Jones, Boise ID. He is also survived by his brother in laws Richard and Sandra Matson, Pleasant Grove UT, Paul and Lyndi Matson, Littleton, CO and John and Patti Matson, Driggs, ID. How do you capture a free spirit on paper. Tom was Tom, a man without pretense. He was a colorful character. Beneath his rough exterior was a large and loyal heart. Tom was very outspoken and loved to tease people and make them smile. Everyone has a favorite Tom story. He would be very surprised to know how many people loved and appreciated him. Tom, we will miss your pithy sayings, your twinkling eyes and bushy beard, but most of all your love. Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 11, at 12 p.m. in the Mendon 3rd Ward, 460 S 100 East, Mendon, Utah with Bishop Wayne Anderson conducting. Friends and family may call at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan, Monday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. and Tuesday at the church 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Mendon Cemetery with a special tribute by the Mendon City Fire Department and military rites by Logan American Legion Post #7. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .