Frank Wilbur Jones

Frank Wilbur Jones

December 6, 1931 - February 2, 2022

On February 2, 2022, at 90 years old, Frank Wilbur Jones, known more fondly by his friends and family as “Frankie,” was reunited in heaven with his one true love Edna Irene, while surrounded by his three children in Richland, Washington. He is preceded by many, of whom his family believes were at heavens gates waiting with welcome hearts. This includes his parents Frank Samuel Jones and Lolita August Watkins, Siblings Dorothy Leona Breshears, Casey Ray Jones, and Adeline Elizabeth Westphal, as well as his “red wolf pup” Fireball. He is succeeded by his sister Eula Marie Bassett, three children Frank Casey Jones (Joann Jones), Pamela Irene Harris (Patrick Harris), and William Samuel Jones (Amy Jones), nine grandchildren Casey, Zachary, Alexander, Shayla, Ethan, Cody, Keyan, Samantha, and Elliott, two great grandchildren Chase and Owen, and dog Daisy all who he loved and cherished dearly.

Frank was born December 6, 1931, in Wauconda, Washington, where he attended school until 8th grade. Frank fondly remembers riding his horse Sheik to and from school every day. From there he went to work in many places from driving the school bus to working at Nestle Potatoes for most of his working life. Frank valued both hard work and his love of religion. You often could find him greeting church goers on Sundays at the First Baptist Church in Moses Lake. One of Frank’s favorite places was Wauconda, and not only because that is where he was born. One fateful day at a church retreat he met a lovely young woman named Edna. As Frank recalls, it was love at first sight and they would soon wed on October 1, 1960. It was but two years later when their family grew, and they were blessed with three children.

Frank made his life in Moses Lake, Washington where he raised his three children, and eventually his family grew again to nine grandchildren, and later two great grandchildren. When asked, his grandchildren recall bird watching and rock throwing with Grandpa down at the lake, playing one for the money on the swing set in the backyard, or going to get ice cream from Dairy Queen on a warm summer night. Although their memories all vary, one thing that is consistent is the amount of love that Frank poured into every family member. Frank loved his children, wife, and grandchildren with his entire being and that was apparent in each day he lived.

To know Frank meant you always prepared to visit in a tee shirt and shorts because he loved his house warm and toasty. He would greet you with a smile and a “how” (short for howdy), accompanied with his warm leather gloves, pocket of candy, and cozy jacket. Because of Frank’s love of warmth, his family has decided to wait and honor his life in the warm summer months, rather than the cold of winter.

He always ended a phone call or visit with the phrase “see you soon,” because it meant we would see each other again another time. Frank, we love you and we will see you soon.

A celebration of life will be held on June 18 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church located at 724 W 4th Ave, Moses Lake, WA 98837, with pie & ice cream to follow.