Raleigh Gene Jones, aged 94, passed away on March 2, 2025, in Madison, Wisconsin at St. Mary’s Hospital. His second wife, Judy McGaha and three daughters Ronda, Suzan and Sarah were by his bedside when he passed away. Born on August 26, 1930, to parents Sarah May Dilday Jones and Raleigh Matthew Jones, Gene was a quiet, giving man who cherished his family above all. He devoutly followed his faith and was a longstanding member of the Baptist Church in Logan, Utah since March 29, 1964.
Gene served honorably in the United States Army from March 23, 1946, to March 22, 1949, including 18 months stationed in Korea. Following his military service, he embarked on a dedicated career as a machinist, initially with Fairbanks and Morris in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and later at Thiokol Chemical. While working at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, he went from a machinist to a tool and die, he was so proud of that. His career culminated at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico, retiring in 1988 (1967-1988). He loved hunting and made his own ammunition. He enjoyed watching Arkansas University football games. He was a provider not only in material terms but in love and guidance to his family and community.
Gene is survived by his second wife Judy Jones McGaha, five children, Sharon Ann Hunt (Travis), Ronald Gene Jones (Kim), Ronda Jean Mandry (Paul), Suzan Rebecca Davenport (Kevin), and Sarah Elizabeth Jones; his brothers Don Jones (Jan) and Howard Jones (Becky); 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother Sarah Mae Dilday Jones, father Raleigh Matthew Jones, sister Carolyn Jones Watts, and his first wife Marianne Owens Jones Geater.
Gene’s life was a testament to his strong values of family, faith, and service, leaving a legacy of love and dedication that will be cherished by all who knew him.
There will be a graveside service, Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. in the Hazen Cemetery at Hazen, Arkansas. Arrangements are by Westbrook Funeral Home of Hazen.