Lorden LaVar Jones

Lorden LaVar Jones was the third son of Virgil and Nellie Jones. He was born September 20, 1946, in Safford, AZ. He was raised in the small rural village of Virden, New Mexico and attended Virden grade school where he was active in sports, 4-H, Boy Scouts and worked on his father's farm. He attended Duncan (AZ) High School and was involved in sports, band and FFA. After graduation he served in the Northern Indian Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and grew to love and respect the Native Americans of Montana and the Dakotas.
After his mission, Lorden moved to Mesa, AZ and worked in the masonry industry. While there he was introduced to the love of his life, Ann Nielsen, and after a sweet courtship they were married and sealed for the eternities in the Mesa Arizona Temple. They had one child, Virnell Deborah Jones now residing with loving caregivers, Jim and Kathy Imes in Mesa.
The family moved to Virden, NM to work with his father on the family farm. Lorden loved the farm and worked there for several years until it became apparent that Virnell's special needs could not be met in that rural area, so they returned to Mesa where there were more opportunities for her. Lorden worked for the Nielsen family in the lumber yard and truss plant before joining the Walmart organization in customer service. He was always a hard worker and worked a second part-time job at Fry's Supermarket to make ends meet.
Lorden loved his Savior Jesus Christ and was very active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. He loved the time he spent serving in the Mesa Arizona temple.
In February of 2013, his sweetheart Ann passed from this life to the spirit world. What a loss for him! He adored her and missed her terribly. Eventually he started attending and greatly enjoying activities for single adults and was so happy when he could provide transportation to these activities for others that did not have a car.
As his health deteriorated and he realized it was unwise to live at home alone, in 2021 he moved to an assisted living facility. On August 19, 2024 he was called home to reunite with his beloved wife Ann, his parents and his older brother Gary.
Lorden is survived by his daughter Virnell and his Brother Spencer Jones.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 920 South Lindsay Rd, Mesa, AZ.
A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 10:00 AM.
On Wednesday, August 28, 2024, the graveside service will be at Virden, NM Cemetery at 12 noon. A luncheon will follow.
McDougal-Caldwell Funeral Home of Safford will handle the arrangements at the cemetery.
Arrangements by Bunker's Garden Chapel, . Should this obituary appear anywhere but , please check our website for accurate details and service information.