David Anthony Jones

Published 10:08 am Monday, May 20, 2024

David Anthony Jones

June 13, 1945 – May 2, 2024

David Anthony Jones of Bend Oregon passed away on May 2, 2024 at age 78 of complications from Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Pittsburgh PA on June 13, 1945, Dave was the fourth of six children in a fun loving and close family. His family moved to Palo Alto CA in 1952 where Dave attended St. Joseph’s and St. Patrick’s seminaries. In 1968, Dave took a brief leave of absence from his theological studies to go on a blind date and eventually married the love of his life, Carolyn. They were married for 55 years! In the early 1970’s they moved to Modesto CA where they raised their three children and enjoyed a beautiful life, eventually moving to Bend, OR in 2011 to be near their kids and grandkids.

Dave spent his career in sales for Oscar Meyer, which was eventually bought by Kraft General Foods. He loved his job and went to work every single day with a smile on his face. In fact, he smiled throughout most of his days, from early childhood all the way to his passing. He was widely known for his radiant smile, and he lit up the room everywhere he went.

Dave was a special husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was funny and kind, and he spread happiness to others. He loved the church, never pushing his beliefs on others but modeling love and acceptance of all. He rarely got upset, choosing to treat people with kindness and expecting that in return. He regularly volunteered, giving to his community, and participating in a variety of ways but notably in the Modesto Kiwanis for over 25 years, as a 20+ gallon blood donor for the American Red Cross, completing taxes for people in need, helping at his church, and doing vision screens for elementary school kids. He loved traveling the world with his family, but was also happy puttering in the garden, doing construction projects, playing with his grandkids, riding a bike, walking his dogs, holding hands with Carolyn, or enjoying family dinners. He and his siblings traded family letters for almost 30 years, keeping in close touch about the ups and downs of life, and regularly getting together to enjoy each other’s company. Dave loved being with people, his family most of all, and he made the world a better place with his generosity and thoughtfulness. His grandchildren share his smile and his giving nature.

Dave is survived by his wife Carolyn Louise Jones (Ortmann) of Bend OR, his daughter Wendy Elaine Laakmann (Jones; son-in-law Andrew Laakmann, grandchildren Alexander Laakmann and Camille Laakmann) and his son Christopher David Jones (daughter in-law Susan Rosebrough, children Anika Jones and Kaylin Jones), and his sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Russell Jones and Elizabeth “Betty” Jones, by his oldest sister Marianne “Sis” Testa, and by his oldest son Shawn Patrick Jones. Please join us for a Celebration of Life on May 25 at 11AM at Grace First Lutheran Church of Bend. Memorial donations can be made to Grace First Lutheran Church of Bend, or Partners in Care of Bend. Rest in peace sweet beloved amazing man.