Cecil Lamar Jones was born September 3, 1935 in Red Mesa, Colorado, to Cloyd Lamar Jones and Eileen Burnham. He was the first of six children. His parents moved to Tucson, Arizona when he was in his infancy. He was raised in old Binghampton where he was surrounded by numerous cousins and life-long friends. Onen of his favorite past times was to talk about the mischievousness he and his cousins got into, the Friday night dances and doing chores with his dad’s chickens and garden. He truly believed it was the best place a boy could be raised and learn a great deal about hard work and dedication.
Cecil graduated from Tucson High School, class of ’53. He attended the University of Arizona. In his 1st year he was drafted into the Army where he served three years. He was stationed in Germany.
On his return, he looked up his pen pal, Beverly Garrett, who lived in Provo, Utah. They were married five months later in the Salt Lake Temple on April 11, 1958.
Cecil and Beverly were blessed with three daughters, raising them in Gallup, New Mexico, Willcox and Tucson, Arizona. Cecil worked for El Paso Gas Company while in New Mexico and Willcox. He later moved back to Tucson and began his 41-year career working for Mountain Bell phone company. He was an avid fisher and hunter throughout his life. In 2005, after many years of life experiences in Tucson, Arizona, he moved with his wife to Mesa, Arizona to live closer to their children and grandchildren.
He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. He had a special ability for his organization, commitment, and service in various church callings. He especially loved to work with the youth while service as a Bishop.
Cecil wasn’t a man of many words, but he loved his family. He is survived by his wife, Beverly, of 66 years, three daughters: Sherri (Bryan), Lisa (Steve), and Becky (Jeff), 11 grandchildren, and 25 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Carol Demuth and Kay Lynne Perkins.
Cecil peacefully passed away, in his sleep, on the morning of December 18, 2024 in his Mesa, Arizona home he shared with his wife. He was joyfully reunited with his parents, son-in-law, two brothers, and a sister.
The family will receive friends, Friday evening, December 27, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Mountain View Funeral Home in Mesa, Arizona. A graveside service will be conducted, December 30, 2024, at the Binghampton Cemetery in Tucson, Arizona at 11:30 a.m.