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Dennis Dean Jones

1957 - 2013

Dennis Dean Jones obituary, 1957-2013, Galveston, TX

Dennis Jones Obituary

Dennis Dean Jones, beloved husband, brother and friend, died at his Galveston home on Monday, July 1, 2013. He was surrounded by family when his long battle with cancer ended at age 55. Service: In accordance with Dennis' wishes, no services will be held. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, please plant something beautiful, enjoy some time in nature or just go out and hug a tree. Dennis was born to Lester and Myrtle Lee Jones on Aug. 17, 1957, in Fort Worth. He graduated from Glen Rose High School in 1975 and earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. His deep love of horticulture led him to gardening as a profession. After operating his own landscaping business for 20 years, he accepted a position as the rose gardener of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. During that time, he shared his love of gardening by teaching classes in the rose garden through Texas Christian University. He also served as president of the Fort Worth Rose Society from 2007- 2009. The Jones family moved to Galveston Island in 2010 when Dennis accepted a position with the city of Galveston. He was inspired by the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna that thrive in a tropical climate. He was a champion of the Galveston Island Tree Conservancy and enjoyed participating in local gardening clubs. Dennis possessed a quiet, natural grace and will be remembered for his gentle spirit. He was a sincere, honest and humble man with a slow-talking manner and a quirky wit that made him entirely unique. He leaves a legacy of beauty in the gardens, parks and neighborhoods of Fort Worth and on Galveston Island. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and support staff of UTMB for their compassion and professionalism. They treated Dennis with kindness and diligence, all the while respecting his need to manage this struggle on his own terms. Survivors: Dennis will be greatly missed by his wife, Van; his brother, Don and sister-in-law, Sandra, of Lubbock; nephew, Cameron Jones of Austin; nieces, Erin Jones of Wyoming, Skylar Winnubst of San Francisco and Alex Winnubst of Dallas; brothers-in-law, Ted Bevill of Houston, Patrick Bevill and Doug Lakey of Washington, D.C., and Adrian Winnubst of Dallas; sister-in-law, Augie Winnubst of Dallas; mother- and father-in-law, Carmelita and Richard Berryman of Galveston; and countless dear friends, both personal and professional.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Star-Telegram on Jul. 7, 2013.

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Staci Bennett

July 1, 2024

We loved Mr Dennis so much he was always ready to help us. He loved Mrs Van so much.
We pray you are resting in peace and know you are Greatly appreciated and missed

mj chapman

November 4, 2020

miss you

meshous james

November 4, 2020

i miss you mrs van dose to my aunt

July 1, 2019

Still a treasured memory. Miss you, Dennis Jones

Carlton Fisher

August 29, 2015

Hello Van,

I've been looking for Dennis for years, and just discovered my old friend died. I am sad. My wife, Lisa, and I lived across the street from Dennis from 1983-1986 on Farimount Avenue, while I was attending Southwestern Seminary. I encouraged him to sign on with Delta Airlines, and we worked together for a brief time with Delta, and then we later decided to go into landscaping together. We started Fisher-Jones Landscaping. I left for a ministerial vocation, and Dennis continued to soar in horticulture. Dennis was a great friend to Lisa and me and our newborn son, Travis. My Dad died this week, and to cheer ourselves up, we were looking at old home video. We saw Dennis and it renewed my interest to find him. Our condolences to you and your family... an old friend, Carlton (Carl) Fisher and Lisa Fisher...

Viki Medley

November 16, 2013

May you live on through the memories you created

Viki Medley

November 16, 2013

Van, family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. I am sorry I didn't know sooner. If you need anything or would like to get in touch, im on Facebook or email me. [email protected]

July 24, 2013

July 24, 2013

July 24, 2013

July 23, 2013

I first met Dennis when he was about 14 and I was 16, we slowly became friends through high school, We rode the back roads of somervell county many times into the wee hours of the night, listening to all sorts of music and engaging in field studies of strange and exotic plants. Time moved on and I lost contact with him not long after he moved to Ft. Worth, I think one of the last times I saw him we camped out on the Brazos at Brazos point around 89. I called Van and I wanted her to know that I loved him like a brother, he was the kind of friend that if you only had one, he was the one you wanted. I love you Dennis, Your amigo Lon.

July 23, 2013

July 23, 2013

July 23, 2013

Steven Chamblee

July 22, 2013

The last time I saw Dennis was in October, 2012, at the Texas Tree Conference in Waco. He was the same as always, all mellowed out and grinning. We chatted about everything and nothing, and he seemed quite content in Galveston. Stephen Hayden was there, and we all ended up at a table beside the hotel pool, smoking cigars and drinking good beer. We laughed about some of our adventures, including the Belgian ale party and visiting that cool swinging bridge down near Goldthwaite. Rationally, I know he is gone, but emotionally, I will always expect to see him whenever I walk into a rose garden...and I think Dennis is good with that.

July 11, 2013

July 11, 2013

July 11, 2013

July 11, 2013

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Jeff Gibbons

July 11, 2013

Dennis was one of the stalwart defenders of the neighborhood; one of the first to see the potential and charm of Fairmount. He was a great friend, always ready to help and a funny and creative guy. He loved to use words in different ways and came up with sayings and phrases that I still remember well. I hadn't kept up with him and Van in the last few years but I feel his loss deeply. His low key but quick wit and sense of humor will never be equaled. We love you, Dennis, our old friend.

dennis and shania

July 10, 2013

July 10, 2013

good son

July 10, 2013

bluebonnets

July 10, 2013

richard,dennis,carmelita

July 10, 2013

July 10, 2013

Everything that I have read here is consistent with the pleasant and witty Dennis that I sought out at neighborhood meetings. In fact, Dennis made my all time favorite comment pertinet to City Hall following one neighborhood meeting where the two of us gathered afterwards chatting away and generally posing solutions to all the world's problems. Following one of my "what they ought to do" comments, Dennis gave me a perplexed look and stated - "Yes. But that would require reason." Silly me, operating under the premise of reason being present in any significant level at City Hall. Dennis set me straight and gave me a story that I have since told on countless ocassions. It was a pleasure and honor to know Dennis and may peace be with Van and all of Dennis' loved ones as they go forward in life with the presence of his wonderful spirit.

Jeff Harper

July 10, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to Van, Carmelita and Richard. I missed Dennis when you all moved to Galveston and now am saddened by his death. Peace to each of you and be assured his memory will be cherished.
Doug Sutherland
Fort Worth

Staci, Shania, Meshous & Walt

July 9, 2013

We met Mr. D and Mrs Van on Adams street in Fort Worth... The BEST neighbors anyone could ever have. Mr. D such a gentle, caring and generous soul, who loved my cooking ;) I only knew him a few years but it felt like I had known him for years. Thank you for always being there and loving my kids and I... Love and miss you always, RIP

augie winnubst

July 9, 2013

augie winnubst

July 9, 2013

augie winnubst

July 9, 2013

augie winnubst

July 9, 2013

Priscilla Files

July 9, 2013

I met Dennis at a meeting of the Texas Association of Botanical Gardens and Arboreta what, now, seems like a million years ago. Since then, I've had the privilege of knowing him professionally throughout Texas, including Galveston. I've had an even greater honor hanging out with Dennis and beautiful Van on the Island since they moved here. Dennis, our Island is so much better because of you and we will miss you so much. Your legacy lives on in the medians of Broadway, the parks of Galveston and the hearts of everyone who were lucky enough to meet you.

Jean and Johnnie Dickson

July 8, 2013

Van....We send our prayers to you and your family. Having worked with him at the Botanic Gardens, I know his gentle soul and love of nature. For Dennis, I will hug my trees in his honor, and will always remember. Love and hugs.

Michael McDermott

July 8, 2013

Dennis was the first friend I made moving to Fairmount. He introduced himself to me out walking his dog to tell me how happy he was I had bought my run down old house to redo and was joining the small but determined group of "urban pioneers" trying to make a difference. Both being landscapers and loving nature and old stuff, we hit it off and spent many weekends over the years taking off on day long drives to every small town and spot of interest within a couple hundred miles of Fort Worth. Even drove to San Antonio and back in a day. No old house was left unexamined or un-photographed. We were invited as strangers into many old homes, I'm quite sure because he was with me. I miss him already and will remember his curiosity and warm spirit for the rest of my life.

Lea Gale

July 8, 2013

Dennis was the type of man who would do anything for anyone. Such a peaceful spirit and so knowledgeable which he shared with everyone. Dennis will be missed and what a tragic loss. Lea

Mike Williams

July 8, 2013

Van, I loved working with Dennis he was a very giving and kind man. I will never forget the time he helped me get to dialysis during an ice storm. That in itself tells about Dennis's giving nature. One day we will meet again. I know he was and always will be a one with nature.

Diana Comuzzie

July 8, 2013

I wonder how many lives Dennis touched? I wonder how many people found peace by walking in his gardens. I wonder how many were inspired by his work? How many saw his smile or laughed at a joke? How many live better lives today, with more beauty in their spirit because of him? Dennis was a gift to us, and we will miss him dearly.

Steve Lipsett

July 7, 2013

Spending time with a great friend like Dennis made me feel so relaxed and happy. We had such great times together, always fun always special. I would get such a feeling of calm being around him. There was always laughter and plenty of life experiences to share and things to learn. He touched my life like a brother. He was just the best.

Joyce Palevitz

July 7, 2013

Dennis was a gentle soul and the world was a better place because of him. Last week I was looking at pictures of us as kids walking in the dinosaur tracks in Glen Rose. God bless you Dennis and may you rest in peace.

Simone Scott

July 7, 2013

Dennis taught me about eathkind roses. One time I asked him if I should make my garden bigger .. Yes I think you should till up this whole yard and plant more flowers.. He was a great guy and will be missed

Always there to make a single gal feel good.

Sue McLean

July 7, 2013

Whoever wrote the obit knew our Dennis well. He was all those things and more. And thanks for bring us up to date on Dennis since he left Fort Worth. Dennis was just a beautiful human being, a kind gentle man, who if you knew him you would never forget him. I was at the Japanese Gardens earlier this week, sat there trying to read a book, and all I could think of was Dennis, even saw a bearded guy trimming and thought it was him. Days later I found out that he had died, and I know his spirit haunts the place, and probably several others that he touched and made more beautiful. Some of his friends are getting together this week at a nearby pub to trade stories and photos of Dennis and hoist a drink to him. I am sure the sort of thing that he would approve. Altho we were never that close, I have missed Dennis for years, because of his laid back demeanor and his subtle humor that always made me smile. But I knew he was happy, he and Van, wherever they were. Van, if you are ever in Fort Worth, please look me up. I miss you too. [email protected]

Susan Harper

July 7, 2013

I'll miss his vast plant knowledge, his keen wit, his sweet smile, his sense of fun and so much more. Great journeys, Dennis...

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