Gilford Merle Jones

Gilford Merle Jones, 88, of Hot Springs went to be with the Lord on May 6, 2011. He was born in Hot Springs, Ark. to James Roy Jones and Audrey Genevieve Maughn Jones. Merle was predeceased by his parents, and three siblings: Arvil Whitney Jones, Royce Hunt and Sadie Wilson all of Hot Springs. He is survived by his loving sister, Eva Lee Rosenbaum of Hot Springs and his Lakeside High School sweetheart and wife of 66 years, Jimmie Lois Caton Jones. His legacy, which dates back 180 years in Garland County, include four children: Stephen Wayne Jones of Norman, Michael Alan Jones (Jennifer) and Martha M. Koon (Stephen) and David Merle Jones all of Hot Springs; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and a multitude of nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Merle served in the U.S. Navy 7th Fleet, for six years during WWII and was a lifetime member of VFW Caraway Post 2278 of Hot Springs, a graduate of Oklahoma City University, head mechanical engineer for Munro Co. and superintendent of B.G. Wilson Lumber Co. He was an entrepreneur, a member of the original class of Lakeside and a member of the Royal Order of Charlemagne. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Monday with the funeral service following at 2 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home with Reverends Kenneth Riley and Allan Humphreys officiating. Interment will follow in Morning Star Cemetery. The family wishes to thank an adoring niece Jeanette Slaight, special friend Linda Hughes, Caregivers Susie Wise and Mike Kimsey, the staff at Gentiva, the staff of Arkansas Hospice at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital and all of his doctors and nurses over the years. And special thanks to the Yakima Indian Nation in White Swan, Wash. for their loving honor to "Merle." Guests may register at http://www.caruth-hale.com.