Obituary of Eugene F. "Gene" Jones

Eugene F. "Gene" Jones, Jr. Went home to be with the Lord on April 21, 2017 at Rideout Regional Hospital in Marysville, CA. Born on February 16, 1943, to Eugene and Ethel Jones in Wewahitchka, Florida, where he resided until his high school graduation in 1961. Immediately following graduation, Gene enlisted in the US Air Force, where he was stationed at Beale AFB, CA, until his completed service in 1966. During his assignment at Beale AFB, in 1962, Gene attended a local church swim party where he met the love of his life Cheryle Westphal. They courted for 2 years and became husband and wife February 1, 1964. Soon after they established their home in Olivehurst, CA, where they lived for 53 years. In 1967, after leaving the Air Force, Gene became a dedicated employee at Sunset Moulding. There he worked as a Resaw Operator until his retirement 33 years later, in 2000. In 1977, Gene became a volunteer Firefighter with the Olivehurst Fire Department, where he achieved the rank of Senior Engineer. During this time, he also held the elected position of President for the Olivehurst Fireman's Association. Additionally, he participated in the Olivehurst Christmas Parade driving the fire engine until his retirement after 30 years of service in 2007. In between balancing a busy family-life and work, Gene also donated countless hours to the Olivehurst Linda Little League, where he held the position of League President and groundskeeper for approximately 10 years. In 2004, Gene joined forces with the Yuba Sutter Transit, where he was a bus driver for 2 years. During this time, he became well liked and known by the passengers he met along the way. Gene is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Sr and Ethel Jones; infant son, James Jones; and nephew, Philip Jones. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Cheryle Jones and children: Anissa Jones, Robert Jones (Amy), Vicki Jones, Cherie' Baker (Richard); grandchildren: Alyssa Anderson (Craig), Jordyn Jones, Chloe Jones, Kaylynne Baker, Lyndsie Baker, Gracie Howard; great grandchildren, Isabella and Christopher Anderson; siblings, James Jones (Darene) and Mary Hilton; nephew, Danny Thomas; and niece, Patricia Rutherford. Additionally, he is survived by numerous extended close family and friends. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 28, at 2pm at Sierra View Memorial Park. Sierra View Mortuary is assisting the family with the arrangements.