Albert Earl Jones

Albert Earl Jones, age 83, of Grants Pass, died Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Ashley Manor, Grants Pass, with his family, friends, and caregivers by his side.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014, 3:00 pm, at the Williams Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 2412-B Williams Highway, Grants Pass. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.

The third youngest of seven children, he was born July 10, 1930 in Pittsburgh, PA to Iva Ora Jones and Melville Roy Jones.

In 1941 the family moved to Southern California and he attended Hollywood High School where, in addition to his regular curriculum, he played drums in the marching band. Over his 55 year career he worked in a BBQ restaurant, in construction, drove a construction and cement truck, owned his own tree service and carpet installation business.

In 1951 he married Claudette L. Thorpe in Quartzsite, AZ. They had two daughters, Catherine and Cynthia, and lived in the San Fernando Valley, CA until they divorced in 1961. In December 1962, he married Phyllis Breda of Sun Valley, CA. In 1979 they moved to Yucca Valley, CA and in 1994 they moved to Merlin OR before settling in Grants Pass, OR in 1998.

His interests included reading the Bible, playing his drums, listening to big band music, fishing, camping, working with firewood, gardening, and building things. His true passion was spending time with his family and pets.

In addition to Phyllis, his wife of 51 years, survivors include his former spouse, Claudette Lynch, two daughters, Cathy Kelley (Steve) of Valencia, CA and Cindi Yantzer (John) of Hidden Meadows, CA, grandson, Gregory Yantzer, two sisters, Mina Lashley of Yucca Valley, CA and Ethel Parrish (Jim) of Hemet, CA, his nephew Paul McGlothlin of Grants Pass, as well as several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and one sister.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Al’s personal caregivers at Ashley Manor and the caring staff of Asante Hospice who took such exceptional, loving care of him in his final days.