Wendel Ellis Jones

After graduating from high school in Dixon, Montana, Wendel enlisted in the Coast Guard and was stationed in New York, Japan, and the French Frigate Shoals in Hawaii. He began his career with McDonnell Douglas in Huntington Beach, California and in 1991 he transferred to Boeing/McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company in Mesa, Arizona.

Wendel loved all sports, especially football, and his favorite team was the Minnesota Vikings. He was a very active and devoted father volunteering his time to help coach the teams his son was on, whether it was soccer, baseball, basketball, or football. He enjoyed cycling, hunting, fishing and water sports. He also had a creative side that included; drawing, photography, and stained glass. He was also an avid reader which ranged from Science Fiction novels to history.

Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Luli Jones of Gilbert Arizona; his son, Dylan Jones of Gilbert, Arizona; his mother, Noriko Jones of Costa Mesa, California; his sister, Wendy Lamerton of Costa Mesa, California; and his nieces; Marissa and Lorelle Lamerton, both of Costa Mesa, California. Wendel is preceded in death by his father, Emlyn.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2014 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, 400 S. Power Road, Mesa, Arizona. Please visit www.MariposaGardens.com to leave a tribute to Wendel.