Arnold Ernest Jones

Arnold E. Jones, 93, of Rancho Villa, died September 8, 2011 at home surrounded by family & friends.

Arnold was born December 5, 1917 in Dover, Arkansas to Floyd & Minnie Sinclair Jones. He was preceded in death by four sisters & three brothers & 1 daughter, Jeannie Basel.

Arnold left Arkansas during the depression at the age of 14 to work in his uncle’s donut shop in Southern California. He served in the US Navy from 1942 to 1945 on the MS Japara.

He came to Walla Walla where he has lived and worked. He built homes in the Walla Walla area. He founded and built by himself, the Rancho Villa Manufactured Housing Community and Mini Storage Facility. Arnold has always been a hard worker and a visionary businessman.

Arnold was a lifetime member of the Walla Walla Elks Lodge #287. Arnold loved the outdoors, especially boating, fishing and RVing. He enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with friends.

Arnold is survived by 1 daughter, Janet Shively & husband, Bob; 2 stepsons, Bob & Dick Smith; 3 grandchildren, Kris Gooding & husband, Jeff, Rob Shively, Tyson Basel & wife Kristin; 4 great grandchildren, Kayla Shively, Erica Gooding, Baker & Brooklyn Basel. Arnold leaves several nieces & nephews. Arnold loved children and was a grandfather figurer to many. Arnold spent the past several years with his very special companion, Barbara Stewart. They enjoyed traveling & being together.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2011 from 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at 11:00 AM at the Christ Lutheran Church with Rev. Joel Ley officiating. Interment will follow at Blue Mountain Memorial Gardens, Garden of the Good Shepherd. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Mary Regional Cancer Center, American Cancer Society, Walla Walla Community Hospice or the Christ Lutheran Church through the funeral home.