Wendell Reed Jones

Wendell Reed Jones, 80, of Rigby, died December 26, 2004 peacefully at home from a lingering heart condition leaving behind his beloved wife of 61 years, Hattie Poole Jones; two daughters, Pamela (Brent) Helm of Rigby, Treasa ( Michael) Andrus of Preston, and two sons, Grant Reed (JoAnn) of Eagle, and Brent Poole (Kathryn) of Rigby. Wendell was born February 3,1924 in Rigby,Idaho to Karl Henry, and Ethel Kinghorn Jones. He grew up and attended schools in Rigby with his brother Carlyle (Edna), and two sisters Mavis (Ronald) Olson, and Doris (Jack) Myers. His brother Carlyle and parents have preceded him in death. He married Hattie Poole February 24, 1944 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. He was the love of her life and for the past three years they have been constantly at one another side due to a Left Ventricle Device that kept Wendell’s heart pumping. They met at a dance when they were in the 8th grade and were high school sweethearts. Wendell joined the Army and served in World War II as a Paratrooper for the 115th Division. Following the War they lived in Rigby and Wendell worked at Safeway in the meat department, and then worked for Taylor Meat Co. in Idaho Falls. As his children grew Wendell and Hattie built Jones Custom Meat Co. in Rigby, and gave their children the opportunity to work and learn responsibility. He retired in 1996. As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints he served in various capacities over the years and in 1978 Wendell and Hattie served a mission in the Canada Winnipeg Mission. His greatest legacy is his family of twenty grandchildren and thirty-four great grandchildren, who adore him and learned many lessons by his side. Wendell was a hero that has pioneered a medical miracle for his posterity, and others that may experience heart failure. A great mans life is made up of qualities that meet or make great occasions. So it was with our beloved Husband and Father. Hands were never idle, with much of his time spent making beautiful handcrafted woodworks for each of the family members, and many friends; he was always busy making life more pleasant and beautiful for those who knew and loved him. He was a hero, with the heart of a giant. He was an avid outdoorsman, with interests abounding, such as camping, fishing, whittling, and Dutch oven cooking with a general love for all things outdoors. He had a sense of humor and an ability to remember jokes eternally. He had a twinkle in his eye that will remain with his family and friends always. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday December 30, 2004 at the Rigby Idaho East Stake Center (4021 East 300 North) with Bishop Brett Olaveson presiding. The family will meet with friends Wednesday December 29, 2004 at the Eckersell Funeral Home from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and for one hour prior to the services at the stake center. Burial will follow the services at the Annis Little Butte Cemetery under the direction of Eckersell Funeral Home in Rigby. The Jefferson Veterans Team will perform Military Rites.