Leland Jones

Junie “Leland” Jones passed away Sunday, November 10, 2013, in Midland. Leland was born April 12, 1925 to Junie Layfette Jones & Cora Lee Whitaker in Rotan, Texas. Leland was raised with his siblings in Ranger, Texas, where he graduated from high school. As a young man he worked in his family’s café in Ranger, before and after his tour of duty with the Navy. He served his country honorably during WWII on the Neshanic naval ship in the Pacific Ocean. In 1947 Leland then began a 39 year long career with Southwestern Bell; his first post with the phone company was in Marfa, Texas where he met his bride of 59 years, Frances Elloise Wheeless. They spent their early years of marriage in Marfa until Leland was transferred to Midland in 1956 where they have remained together ever since.

Leland had a kind and gentle heart and loved spending his days with Frances and working his various hobbies. Leland enjoyed working with his hands and never shied away from doing the job right, even if it meant more time and labor. He worked tirelessly on their beautiful home in Midland and their beloved retreat, the cabin in Cloud Croft, NM. Leland was a talented, self-trained, craftsman and he could build anything and took great pride in completing the project right, whether it was the cabin, a fence, cabinets, iron work, painting or even maintaining their cars. Leland was also sure to keep a beautiful yard which he always enjoyed spending time in with Frances and their dogs or cat. Leland & Frances loved to travel together, which in the early years of marriage entailed road trips and camping but as the years past, they expanded their travel to most of the United States , South America, Panama Canal, Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, and China, Mexico and even got to fly on the Concord plane to France. Leland was an outstanding traveling companion, he was always ready to go, and adjusted plans along the way to make the trip most pleasant. Besides travel, his wood working and construction hobbies, he enjoyed raising dogs with Frances.

Leland is survived by his beloved wife, Frances; niece, Suzann Haechten and husband Allen of Midland and nephew, Clayton Hutchinson and wife Levi, of Salt Lake City. The family would like to thank all of those who lovingly cared for Leland in these past years.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 from 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Ellis Funeral Home, Midland, Texas. Services will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., in the Ellis Funeral Home Chapel, followed by a graveside service with Military Honors at Fairview Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, the family asked that due to Leland’s love of animals that donations be made in his name to Lone Star Animal Sanctuary of Midland or the Midland Humane Coalition. Online condolences may be offered at: www.ellisfunerals.com