Leland Arthur Jones (Lee) passed away in Sequim, WA on March 10 at the age of 95 after a life well-lived. He was born in 1926 in Burke, SD, the first child of Arthur and Freda Jones. When he was 5, the family moved to a farm near Dupree, SD, where Lee grew up and graduated from the local high school in 1944. He volunteered for the Navy, serving for two years. Prior to enlisting, he met a young woman who would become his wife and love of his life, Lois Ann. During his time in the Navy, he and Lois wrote to each other every day. They were married in June, 1949, and their love and devotion to each other continued until her passing in 2011.
After discharge from the Navy, Lee earned a B.S. in Finance and Accounting from the University of SD. Upon graduation, Leland and Lois moved to Richland, WA where he worked for GE and then Battelle NW. He and Lois raised a family of two daughters and one son. He loved camping with his family and marveled at the trees and mountains of the Pacific Northwest. During this time they were active in conservative politics and served in their church where they made life-long friends, working with children’s ministry and college age youth and numerous other activities including Walk to Emmaus, Bible studies, and trips to Europe and Israel. In 1975 they moved to Seattle and then returned to Richland.
Upon retirement, he and Lois moved to Sequim, WA to be closer to family. They enjoyed yearly vacations with extended family at the ocean as well as trips to Hawaii and Mexico and continued being involved in politics and Christian activities. After Lois’ passing and with declining health, Lee moved to an assisted living facility where he maintained his cheerful, encouraging spirit.
Lee is survived by his daughter Laurie (David) Korpi of Edmonds, WA, son Lance (Maryam) Jones of Corvallis, OR, and daughter Leslie (Dan) Engelhard of Bremerton, WA as well as 9 grandchildren, 14 greatgrandchildren, sister Kathleen Green of Sioux City, IA, and brother Robert (Sharon) Jones of Huron, SD. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and his brother Larry (Peggy) Jones.
The family would like to thank Pastor Rich and Diana Hay of Olympic Bible Fellowship for their support of Lee and also the staff of Sherwood Assisted Living for their kind care.
The family will miss his sage advice, emails, and prayer support. He will be remembered as a thoughtful, kind, encouraging, and generous man. Lee, you loved us well.
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