Robert Lee Jones

Robert Jones

Colonel Bob Jones, born in Denver, Colorado to Elizabeth and Robert Jones, passed away Friday, February 3 at UC Irvine Medical Center after suffering a massive stroke. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty, three children, Diana, Jeff, and Ken, their spouses, Allison and Harold, partner Carl and three grandchildren, Kristen, Ryan and Scott, all of whom will miss him terribly. After moving with his family to California, Bob graduated from Beverly Hills High School, was a fireman, and then served in the Air Force during World War II and Korea as a pilot. Upon returning from duty, he graduated from USC and joined Pacific Telephone, retiring after 30 years as a District Sales Manager in 1981. He concurrently served in the Air National Guard commanding the Van Nuys Air Field. He retired from the Air Force/Guard with 25 years’ service. Bob gave his time generously to youth and veteran causes, from Indian Guides and Boy Scouts to the Daedalians, an organization of military pilots. He offered his helping hand wherever he saw the need. He created the memorial at Beverly Hills High for graduates who died serving their country. He was an avid scuba diver, pilot, outdoorsman, craftsman, photographer, mechanic, and reader of history who loved to cruise around the world with his wife and grandchildren. He was always ready with a pun and a funny story. A living embodiment of the Boy Scout credo (trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, reverent), Bob was always encouraging and uplifting of those around him. As an optimist he brought hope where there was doubt, forgiveness and gentle strength to all those who crossed his path regardless of their station in life or ethnicity. He refused to dwell on hardship or pain; he focused on the funny remembrances or hope in any situation. Services will be held at Hollywood United Methodist Church on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 1pm followed by a celebration of his life for family and friends. The Church is located at 6817 Franklin, Hollywood, California (hollywoodumc.org). Flowers may be sent to Arlington Mortuary, 9645 Magnolia Ave., Riverside, California 92503 (arlingtonmortuary.com, 951-68-1011) who will bring them to the church. Bob will be buried with full military honors on Monday, February 13 at 9:45am at Riverside National Cemetery. The family and close friends will be gathering at 9:30am at Staging Area 4. Riverside National Cemetery is at 22495 Van Buren Boulevard (off Highway 215), Riverside, CA 92518 Phone: (951) 653-8417 If you prefer to donate instead of sending flowers, Bob suggests Alzheimer’s Research (www.alz.org) in order to support Betty.