Claude Lee Jones

Claude Lee Jones, son of William Dover Jones and Virginia May Stokes, was born October 17, 1950 in Glendale, California. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Johnson Jones, sister Susan Glauser, and four daughters: Sara Marilee Layton (Steven Layton), Emily Lisa Jones, Rachel Jeanna Swogger (Joel Swogger), and Katherine Anne Hansen. He has 16 precious grandchildren, two great-granddaughters, and many adored nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law.

Growing up in California, he helped his mom and dad with the family window coverings business. Some of his earliest memories involve being a bat boy for baseball teams at Lockheed in Los Angeles. His love of baseball and the Dodgers never diminished. He spent time deep sea fishing with his Grandpa Stokes and always loved the outdoors and fishing.

Claude graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1968 and moved to St. George, Utah to attend Dixie College where he met the love of his life, Marilyn. Claude’s lifelong friends Frank and Larry from California describe Claude as “an exceptionally important part of their joint development during those formative teenage years. He was an adventurous, curious, questioning, and searching soul. He had a keen satirical sense of humor (and the absurd), and a passionate love of music: both an appreciation and a proficiency, especially on the guitar. More than just playing chords, he had developed a unique finger-picking style. Further, he wrote music and lyrics. He played in several bands, notably a jug band and an experimental progressive rock band. In college he had a number of his poems published. One of Claude’s greatest characteristics was his outgoing nature: he was not just the center of our group, but was continually reaching out to include others; many of our friends we met through Claude’s outgoing and inclusive personality.”

Claude served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1970-72, at a time when many were being drafted to Vietnam. Only one missionary per ward was being allowed, and his uncle passed away while he was in the process of deciding on a mission, miraculously leaving his parents enough money to pay for his mission.

While in England, he participated in a traveling Family Home Evening band, singing and playing the 12-string guitar to help spread the gospel. Serving in England shaped his love for all things British, especially their literature and witty, understated humor.

Claude returned from his mission and married Marilyn Johnson four months later in the St. George Temple on June 16, 1972. Together they raised their four daughters in Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Port Angeles, Washington, Sandy, and Highland, Utah.

Claude earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah, and was a “Runnin’ Ute” through and through, even after also earning a Master’s in Public Administration from Brigham Young University. He served on the city council for West Valley City and worked in risk management for UTA and for the city of Port Angeles, Washington. After moving back to Utah he served as the IT specialist for Murray City, where he retired in June of 2017.

Claude and Marilyn were called as service missionaries for inner-city Salt Lake and they also fulfilled a special mission as guardians for their granddaughter, Miriam, whom Claude was able to confirm as a member of The Church on Easter weekend this year.

All who know Claude appreciate his love of the “whimsical” and his eclectic interest in sports, magical creatures, and ancient lore. Our hope is he can finally find the answers to all the world’s mysteries–how Stonehenge was built, the legend of King Arthur, the existence of leprechauns, the location of the lost tribes, and other church history speculation. He had a passion for learning and read countless books, from classical literature to science fiction and fantasy, history, and especially church doctrine and the scriptures.

His taste in music has influenced his children and grandchildren most notably. Music was very important in his life, and he has loved so much of the world’s best music that it’s hard not to think of him when any “good” music is played: from folk, rock, Celtic, religious, musical theatre and choir. His family will treasure the music collections he burned on CDs over the years. Christmas has always been more magical with his stories, elf traditions, and curated obscure choral music.

His sense of humor was a defining feature, and will be missed greatly by his friends and family. There were times he forbade the kids from watching shows, not because they were inappropriate, but because they weren’t good comedy. He would make sure the girls were up late to watch Steve Martin on Saturday Night Live, and they could all quote Monty Python.

The greatest loves of his life are his wife, Marilyn, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. He served faithfully in many church callings, his favorites were being a seminary teacher, temple worker, and working in the family history library. It broke his heart when he could no longer serve due to his illness. His hero was Joseph Smith, and he loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. His dearest wish is to live with his family forever, and we are all so grateful for his dedication as a disciple of Jesus.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 16 at 11 am at the LDS chapel on 9626 North 6800 West in Highland, UT. Family and friends will gather from 10-11 am. He will be buried at a later date in the Tonaquint Cemetery in St. George.