Rodger Dale Jones

Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Rodger Dale Jones, Sr., passed away peacefully on February 8, 2017, surrounded by close family and friends. He was 71. Born in Dos Palos, CA in 1945, Rodger grew up in Tucson, AZ and graduated from Amphitheater High School. After graduating high school, Rodger embarked on a career of government service beginning with his enlistment into the United States Navy at the young age of 17. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Rodger's 21-year career in the US Navy included multiple tours in Vietnam as well as duty stations including Florida, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C, Philippines, Guam, and Japan. During his first stint in Puerto Rico, Rodger met and married the love of his life, Sonia, his wife of 48 years. Together they raised two children, Tina and Rodger, Jr. For his children, life as a military family created a strong family bond and instilled an appreciation for cultural diversity, embracing change as well as a first-hand awareness and gratitude for duty larger than one's self. Following his retirement from the US Navy, Rodger continued his career in government service. He served the White Sands Missile Range community for over 20 years until his retirement in 2007; a career spanning over 40 years in government service. Rodger was an avid golfer who regularly played Red Hawk Golf Club. He enjoyed listening to music from the 50's and 60's as well as watching old movies. Above all else, he enjoyed joking and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren ranging in age from 27 to 6. Rodger is survived by his wife, Sonia Jones; sister, Maxine Gautreau; daughter, Tina (Jones) Gonzalez; son, Rodger Jones, Jr., and wife, Stephanie, and his grandchildren: Rachel Testa, David Testa, Austin Jones, Marissa Heller, Lydia Jones and Drew Jones as well as his mother in law, Lydia Echevarria; brothers in law, Burnell and Manuel; sisters in law, Magda and Ruth; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Maylon Jones, and stepmother, Jesse Jones; mother, Frances Weathers, and stepfather, Ronald Mefford; and brother, Bill Jones. We are grateful to all the wonderful, caring people who provided care to Rodger at Memorial Medical Center Infusion Center, Mountain View Regional Medical Center and Mesilla Valley Hospice. Rodger's final resting place will be at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery. The Jones family asks that donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM in lieu of flowers. PDF Printable Version