Obituary of Melvin Thomas Jones

Melvin Thomas Jones, age 89, passed away peacefully June 3, 2023 surrounded by his daughters.  

He was born in Mesa Arizona on September 1, 1933 to Verlena Kelley and George J. Jones.  Mel was raised by his mother Verlena until the age of 11 when she sadly died.  He then moved in with his mother’s parents, Cordelia and Samuel Kelley, until he completed high school.  He graduated from Mesa High School in 1951. He met his eternal sweetheart Judy O’Connor his sophomore year in high school (her freshman year) during a school play.  They both had lead roles and she got to kiss him on the cheek.  They were married on September 13th 1952, 4 months after Judy graduated high school.  They created a beautiful love story which expanded over 70 years.  Their love was a great example to all who knew them- especially in their later years together as Mel cared for Judy with her health challenges.  Mel enlisted in the navy shortly out of high school.   He was deployed to Korea while Judy finished her senior year of high school. He received training and served as an electricians mate during his service in the Korean War. During his 1st tour he contracted hepatitis jaundice and had to spend 3 months in a naval hospital in Yokosuka Japan. He served a total of 3 tours active and 5 years as a reserve.  A year after his honorable discharge from the Navy he went to work as a computer programmer for Airesearch, which eventually became part of Honeywell.  He had a successful career there and retired after 37 years.  Mel was very involved in church service, scouting and family history for many years.  He enjoyed golfing, attending ASU sports and scouring the Wednesday grocery ads for the best deals.  He loved camping with his family, which included teaching his 5 daughters to fish.

He is preceded in death by his sweetheart Judy, his parents and grandparents.  Those left to cherish his memories are his five daughters Meludy (Jim), Jodie (Sam), Wendy (Doug), Kelli (Clifford), Traci (Frank), 19 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild.  

A public viewing will be Saturday June 10th, 2023 at 9:00 am followed by funeral services at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building located at 1150 E Guadalupe Rd., Gilbert AZ 85234. 

Cemetery Details- City of Mesa Cemetery 1212 N. Center St. Mesa, AZ 85201