Vernon Earl Jones, beloved father and grandfather, passed away suddenly at his home in Helena on April 13, 2012. He was 72 years old.
Vern was born to Robert and Alice (Mickelson) Jones on June 29, 1939. He attended Longfellow Grade School and Butte High School, graduating in 1958. Vern attended Northern Montana College in Havre for a short time before returning to Butte to work for the Jarmin Shoe Company in the Hennessey’s Department Store. He started working for the Montana Highway Department in 1967, where he worked for 32 years.
Vern married the love of his life, Barbara Louise Tippett, on April 18, 1965. They were blessed with three children. Vern and Barb moved from Butte to Missoula in 1969, then to Helena in 1988. They enjoyed 39 years of a happy marriage before Barb passed away in 2004.
Vern enjoyed the outdoors, and was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer in his younger years. He loved being with his family, but truly shined as a Grandfather. His grandchildren always brought a smile to his face and a sparkle to his eye.
Vern was preceded in death by his wife, Barb; his parents; his brother, Bob; and grandson, Will. He is survived by his brother, Les (Bev) Jones of Mesa Arizona; children, Vern (Kathleen) Jones of Helena, Gary (Lisa) Jones of Butte, and Sherry VanBlaricom of Canby, Oregon; and grandchildren, Rebecca, Shawn, Veronica, Jessica, and Virginia.
The family will gather and receive friends in Helena from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 20th, at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. The family will gather and receive friends in Butte at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21 at Wayrynen Richards Funeral Home, 1800 Florence Ave. with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment for both Vern and Barb will immediately follow in the Columbarium Niche in Mountain View Cemetery. A reception will then be held in the social center of Wayrynen Richards Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Vernon’s name to the Shodair Children’s Hospital, 2755 Colonial Dr., Helena, MT 59601 or to a charity of choice. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer condolences to the family.
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Allen & Kathy Chambers says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Vern. I was one of the lucky people to have work with Vern at the Montana Department of Transportation for many years (15+). His positive attitude and friendly nature will always be remembered. I know Vern and Barb are looking down and smiling at us all.
God Bless!
Allen Chambers
Jim Mullins says
My condolences to the family. I enjoyed working with Vern. Jim
Mike and Jan Cronin says
Vern was a great neighbor and we will miss him. We will miss seeing him and Kai on their walks and at Perkins. We sponsored Kai at the shelter and they have a great prospect for a home for him.
Patrice Evans says
Gary,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Patrice
Scott & Jolene Neuberger says
Sherry & Shawn, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers. We feel blessed to have been able to know your dad, what a wonderful, caring, warm and funny man. We are sending you virtual hugs as you go through this rough time, know that we are here for you. Much love, Scott, Jolene, Brian, Chelsea, Jonathon and Ben.
Sonny Gratzer says
Vern was a great classmate at Longfellow Grade School and Butte Public High School. We had some great fun together as kids and I’m sorry he’s gone.