Gary Elton Jones

Gary was born to Elton and Thelma Jones on July 3, 1926 in Cedar City, Utah. He was the oldest of 5 children and had 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Gary served in the Aleutian Islands during World War II, keeping the islands from being occupied by the Japanese or the Russians. It was a frigid, arctic assignment. After his service in the army, he returned to his beloved Cedar City and loving family.

Gary met his wife, Utahna Johnson (from Holden, Utah) when they were both attending college in Cedar City. Utahna was the Harvest Ball Queen and when Gary saw her it was love at first sight.

Gary graduated from the BAC (Branch Agricultural College) now Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah with an Associate Degree. He then continued his education at Brigham Young University where he finished his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting.

Gary and Utahna were married on December 26, 1948, at the LDS Institute in Cedar City, Utah. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Gary was a very devoted, loving husband and the father of 3 children, Valerie, Pam and Dave.

Gary’s greatest joy was his family. They moved from Cedar City to Salt Lake City, Utah, after taking a job with Kennecott Copper Corporation in 1963. Gary, Utahna and their children travelled to Cedar City often to visit his parents, friends and relatives. Gary spent many hours hiking with his brothers, Scott and Jim in the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park. He was a very devoted brother, and supported all his siblings in their different pursuits.

Gary loved his children and grandchildren and spent many hours planning hikes, excursions and outings with them over the years. He even took his 2 oldest grandsons fishing in Alaska for salmon and halibut.

Gary’s professional career included Manager of Southern Utah Lumber Company, working for Columbia Iron Mining Company (outside of Cedar City), and working for Kennecott Copper Corporation for 22 years as an Industrial Engineer. He was also a professional tax accountant for 60+ years.

Gary loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter, fisherman, hiker, and skier. He played racquetball with his friends until it took a toll on his knees. Gary loved reading and read all types of literature. He introduced his children early on to the magic, adventurous world of reading.

Gary appreciated and loved the visual and performing arts. He often bought tickets to Utah Symphony concerts, plays, the Utah Shakespeare Festival and the ballet and took Utahna and their children. They also visited art galleries and museums. He enjoyed baseball, football and basketball and he took his children to games when time allowed. He was a very well-rounded man and could converse easily on almost any topic.

Gary was a soft-spoken gentleman, concise in everything he said and always a man of his word. He lived a life filled with love, humility, honor and had a strong work ethic. He was a hard-worker and taught his children the value of hard work.

Gary was a life-time member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He took his church callings very seriously. His favorite callings were Ward Clerk and teaching Primary classes with Utahna. He would spend hours preparing his Primary lessons.

Gary had a keen sense of humor up to the last day of his life. People enjoyed being around him. Gary’s absence will be felt deeply by his family and friends.

Gary is survived by his wife, Utahna; children, Valerie Lindley (Scott), Pam Swenson (Dave), David Jones, his sister Pat Embley (John), 7 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great, great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 30 at 12:00 pm at the East Millcreek 11th Ward Chapel, 2702 East Evergreen Avenue (about 3400 South). A viewing will be held at the chapel from 10:30am-11:40am prior to the funeral service. Gary will be interred in the Cedar City Cemetery, Friday July 1st at 12:00pm. A graveside service will be held.

There will be a livestream of the funeral: https://youtu.be/KF8ylGmjGj0

Funeral arrangements are through Wasatch Lawn Memorial in Holladay. Condolences can be sent to wasatchlawn.com

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.

On behalf of the family, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to Spring Gardens Care Center and to Active Health Hospice – especially to Jasmine Kesler and Caysen Prince, who provided such tender care to our dear husband and father.