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Franklin F. Jones
Franklin F. Jones, 75, peacefully passed away Monday, April 3, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona, surrounded by his immediate loved ones. Frank was born on Flag Day, June 14, 1941, to Franklin F. and Vernie B. (Carnahan) Jones near Yampa, Colorado, the third of 4 children.
Frank graduated from Crested Butte High School in Crested Butte, Colorado, in 1959. He then attended Colorado School of Mines, graduating in 1964. Frank served as an Officer in the United States Army in various locations, including a deployment in South Korea. After his time in the service, Frank devoted his entire career to mining engineering and spent 32 of his working years at ASARCO (Kennecott Copper), proudly retiring in 2000.
Known in the community as “Friendly Frank”, he spent much of his life in Kearny, Arizona, where he raised his family and had a long list of friends. After his children embarked out on their own, Frank enjoyed supporting the Town of Kearny by volunteering with the senior citizens, substitute teaching at Ray Schools, tutoring and mentoring many youth in the community, supporting “free dump day”, and attending the United Methodist Church.
Frank later moved with his wife, Lori, to Gold Canyon, Arizona, where they spent the last 8 years joyfully watching their grandchildren grow and meeting many new friends. Together, they travelled annually to Iowa and Colorado for summer celebrations and Christmas festivities with extended family.
Frank is survived by his wife, Lori (Wirtz); son, Eric (Martina) Jones of Chandler; daughter, Lesley (Jeb) Bennett of Scottsdale; sister, Kay Kapushion of Austin, Colorado; grandchildren, Roselia, Reagan, and Greyson; and numerous other extended family members. Frank was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Fran Carricato of Gunnison, Colorado, and Tom Jones of Denver, Colorado.
Celebration of life services will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, April 22, 2017, at the United Methodist Church of the Good Shepherd in Kearny, Arizona. Immediately after the services, the family will gather with friends in Ray Hall adjacent to the church. The church address is 617 Senator Chastain St., Kearny, AZ 85137. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ray Schools Scholarship Fund.
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