Joseph Edwin Jones

Joseph Jones Obituary

Joseph Edwin Jones, 83, beloved father, grandfather, great-grand-father, passed away June 29, 2007 in Mesa, Arizona. He was born in Virden, New Mexico, April 6, 1924, son of Willard Edwin Jones and Edna Payne. He served in the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was sealed in the Arizona Temple to Ethna Merrell and they raised their children in Virden and Silver City, NM, El Paso, TX, Ft. Thomas, AZ, and Mesa. He taught music in the Mesa schools for many years. During that time he also taught numerous piano and voice students and directed the Arizona Mormon Choir for 5 ½ years. He served the LDS church in many capacities as a stake missionary, bishop, high councilor and directed many choirs and musical productions. Edwin and Ethna served three missions together for the LDS church and learned to love the people of Ghana, Africa, Guatemala and the Dominican Republic. Their eight children are Anne Flake (Robert), Maury (Colleen), Mark Herrington (Nona), Greer (Carla), Virginia Sparks (Wynn), Doug (Julie), Ellen Christensen, and Ron (Jan). He will be greatly missed by his 44 grandchildren and 45 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held at the LDS Lazona Ward building 1500 E. 6th Ave Friday, July 6th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 7th at 10:00 am with a viewing from 9:00 to 9:45 am, both at the Lazona Ward building. Arrangements are entrusted to the Allen Funeral Home, 1130 S Horne, Mesa, AZ 85204 480-833-1716.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jul. 4 to Jul. 6, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Jones

9 Entries

Kerry & Ellen Adams & Family

July 24, 2007

How grateful I am for the moments I and my family shared with Edwin Jones. When I was confined to my bed for several months, Edwin was diligent to visit me and cheer me with ward news and events in the neighborhood. When he learned I had not read any of Gerald Lund's "The Work and The Glory" books he volunteered them for me to read; we shared many happy conversations. I was a frequent guest in his home, and so appreciated the kind hospitality that he and Ethna extended to me. We shared the same birthdate (though I teased him that he had celebrated his birthday more often than I have).
He was a wondeful man, and I am so grateful that we shared a mutual respect and friendship for so many years.
Please accept our love and condolences.

Larry Payne

July 16, 2007

We just got the news of Uncle Edwin pasing away. It brought back many memories of the Circle K Ranch and simpler times. I can still hear him and my father (Albert) playing duets on the piano in the lodge entertaining us all. He was a very talented and giving man and had a positive influence on those around him. Our most heartfelt sympathy and condolences are with you.

Julie King

July 8, 2007

Edwin lived at Legacy with my father-in-law, Bill. Our Girl Scout Troop went over to have a Christmas Party last December and Edwin amazed us with his organ playing. We just found out about his passing and are very sorry to have missed his services (we were out of town). We shall miss his boisterous and jovial welcomes when we go to visit my father-in-law! He will definitely be missed! My favorite saying of his was "I do not know who you are, but you look familiar, WELCOME!!!

megan trujillo

July 7, 2007

sorry to hear about edwin i work at legacy and will miss him in the sing along telling cindy to repeat the song

Linda Phelps

July 6, 2007

I was in junior high and high school when your Dad taught me private piano lessons. At that time in my life my interest in playing classical piano pieces was very low. I struggled to practice and he could tell I had put forth little effort during the week. Whether he was inspired or whether it was what he did with all his students, I'm not sure, but he started teaching me to play the church hymns. I would practice during the week and at my lesson he would lead and I would have to follow him as I played. Then he taught me how to lead the hymns while he played. I never did much more with piano beyond that point, but this teaching of playing and leading the hymns has blessed my life. I have been comfortable on the spur of the moment leading the hymns and over the years I have played them on the piano in my home and at church. A concert pianist I'm not, but I have something more valuable as a gift from him and that is the love of the church hymns and the ability to share them with others.

Sue Osuch

July 6, 2007

I knew Your Dad, Grandfather, Great Grandfather for such a short time but he will always be in my memory. I am so proud to have known him. Sue from Legacy Village

Denise Dunning (Dick)

July 6, 2007

The memories that came flooding back to me when I saw Edwin's obituary are so precious. Brother Jones baptized me when I was 8 years old back in 1965. What a wonderful, loving and supportive family he created for those around them in need.

Shelley Dixon (Dick)

July 5, 2007

I was so sad to see that Edwin has passed away. I tried to locate Edwin just after I was in the MTC (Oct. 2006) to once again tell him how much I and my family loved Edwin for his faithful service to us as kids. He was our home teacher for many years, and he made a huge difference to us. I would not be here in the Philippines serving a mission with my husband if it were not for his influence in my life.
May the loving arms of our Heavenly Father be around all of the family at his passing. I am grateful to know he is with his loving wife once again.

Mike Rowley

July 4, 2007

Mark and Doug, your Dad was another of those Mesa icons that we, who were influenced by his love and talent, can only look back and marvel at his accomplishments. What a legacy he has left for over a hundred of his decendants, and the stories will reach hundreds more. The only sadness is the loss of his companionship for this short while until you are together again. Every other thought is joyous.

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