Dean Jones

Minister Melvin Dean Jones, affectionately known as Dean, was born on June 21, 1956 to James and O’Lillian Jones at Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe, California. Dean was the oldest between him and his twin sister Marvia, the second set of twins in his family. He was the 10th of eleven children.

Dean grew up in Blythe, California where he attended local schools. He graduated from Palo Verde High School in 1974. Dean went on to attend Compton College in Compton, CA where he received his Associate’s Degree. After receiving his Associate’s Degree, he attended Fresno State University where he received his B.A. in Business Administration. Throughout his life, Dean was known for his athleticism, excelling at baseball, track, and football. Although his family and friends thought baseball would be his sport of choice, Dean developed a passion for college football. It was at Fresno State where he became known as the “Dean Machine.” During his college football career, Dean became the starting quarterback and helped the Bulldogs become a powerhouse team. The 1977 football team at Fresno State is known as the “Stadium Builders.” This team, led by Dean, is credited with building the community support needed to fund the facilities that Fresno State uses today. During his senior year at Fresno State, Dean was drafted to play for the Oakland Raiders. His time with the team was short-lived as he suffered a career-ending injury.

At Fresno State, Dean met and fell in love with Sheila Renae Thompson (a cheerleader of course!). The two married and from this union they had four children: Byron, Aaron, Christopher (deceased) and Meghan.

Throughout his life, Dean held various jobs. He was active in his community and loved coaching sports as well as working with the youth.
Dean was an active member of St. Paul Baptist Church where he served as a deacon and later accepted his calling as a Minister. He faithfully taught Bible Study, performed baptisms, weddings, and preached the Word of God. Dean enjoyed being around children and especially loved his daily routine of attending the Blythe Community Center. He was also an active member of the Palo Verde Masonic Lodge #37.

On March 20, 2022 God saw fit to call Dean home. He was preceded in death by: his wife Sheila Jones, son- Christoper Jones, mother- O’Lillian Jones, father- James Jones, brothers- Jimmie Green Jones, Cal Henery Jones, George Jones, sisters- Maebelle Ophelia Erath, Bobby Jewel Jones, and Dorothy Jean Jones.

Dean leaves to cherish his precious memories: children- Byron Jones, Aaron (Carmen) Jones, and Meghan Jones. His grandchildren- Carmelo and Gianna Rose Jones. His twin sister- Marvia Jean Martineau. Brothers- Johnny Jones, David Jones, and Daniel Jones. He will be affectionately remembered as “Uncle Dean” by a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as great-great nieces and nephews who he loved and treated as if they were his own.