Donald L. Jones

Former Whitefish resident Donald L. Jones passed away in his sleep Sept. 26, 2005, with his son Edward, by his side. He went on to join his beloved wife, partner in life and a host of many friends and family.

Donald was born Oct. 4, 1934, in Dallas, Texas, to Florence (Langley) and Rossman Donnelly. At a young age, his mother divorced and returned to Montana and married William L. Jones, who adopted Don as his own.

He was raised on a ranch outside Cascade. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War with dreams of being a pilot, but that was not meant to be when his ear drums erupted during a flight. He was discharged with honors and was proud to be a veteran.

He married his soul mate Barbara Jean Dickson on Jan. 5, 1958. This was a wonderful union that lasted more than 42 years, and with that union they had three children, Bill, Eddy and Donna.

Some things remembered are from being a licensed power monkey to stories of ranching, equipment operator and a sheriff in Montana. Working in Wyoming, coal mining in Colorado and in which he was involved in a major cave in accident, many men would have given up with his broken body, but he continued on.

Don and Barb were talked into visiting Alaska in 1969 for a vacation. As many people do, they fell in love with Alaska and stayed until the mid-1980s. For medical reasons, they were forced to leave Alaska and retired in Homedale, Idaho, where they continued to help others through various charities.

He was preceded in death in by his loving wife Barbara, his parents, many close relatives, Edna Dickson, Sid Dickson and many others.

He is survived by his children Bill, his children Shawn and Tiffany, and their children of Coldwater Mich.; Edward, of Anchorage, Alaska; and daughter Samantha, of Fairbanks, Alaska; Donna and Michael Waller and their children Brianna and Tommy, of Valdez, Alaska; sisters Mary Dickson her son Michael, of California, and Billie Keaster, of Black Eagle; brother-in-law John Dickson, of Delaware; sister-in-law Joyce Hillberry, of Florida; and numerous cousins and lifelong friends. He is also survived by his ever faithful dog Babe.

A memorial service and celebration held Oct. 1, 2005, at the Flahiff Funeral Chapel, in Homedale. In spring 2006, his ashes will be joined with his wife's at a very special beaver dam in Alaska.

Condolences may be sent to Donna L. Waller, P.O. Box 508 Valdez AK 99686, or by e-mail to DonnaLWaller@yahoo.com.