Wallace Eugene Jones

Wallace Eugene Jones was born in Wray, Colorado on February 8, 1939 to Homer & May Jones. Wallace (Wally to most) was the 4th child of 12 who was raised in nearby Laird, CO.

While attending K-12, he formed many lifelong friendships with whom he spoke often. Wally was quite the prankster in his formative years sharing tales of floating watermelon in the irrigation ditches to lighting cherry bombs that were meticulously placed under the screens at the local church causing people to scramble out. While attending Laird school, he was involved in many extra-curricular activities including Basketball, Football, Baseball, Class Play, Student Council & Newspaper Staff. Wally graduated from Laird Schools in 1957.

Soon after graduation, Wally joined the US Navy. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia after basic training. He was a gunner’s mate & worked in the armory repairing guns. He spoke mostly about being on the ship USS Muliphen. He spent much of his retirement years researching & connecting with old shipmates.

After being discharged from the Military in 1961, Wally returned to Wray where he worked with his father Homer in his construction business, Homer Jones & Sons Plumbing.

It wasn't long after returning to Wray, Wally met & married his wife, Wanda Shepherd. To this union they had 6 children, Kim, Wally Joe, Kelly, Buffy, Toni & Kasey. Along with Wanda & the kids, Wally embarked on so many adventures.

Some folks may remember the days Wally & Wanda managed Purple Sage Lanes the bowling alley that used to stand on north main street. Wally swore to his kids this is where HE invented the Root Beer Float!!

Family also has memories of his playful attitude including teasing his kids that if they didn’t straighten up he would “Break their plate” (meaning no free meals) or if grandchildren complained of the meal they were given…they would end up wearing it.

Wally also served his community as Under Sheriff of Yuma County. He brought several of his children for a "tour" of the jail cells and instructed his fellow officers to throw his child in a cell if ever caught out after curfew. During this time Wally was also a member of many of the organizations in town, the Odd Fellows, the Elks & the Wray Fire Department. There is an evening when his attendance at the Fire Dept meeting & the Sheriff’s department collided ending with him using his cell key to escape.

When his time with the Sheriff’s department ended, Wally returned to Jones & Sons Plumbing. You would be hard pressed to find a house in the town of Wray that Wally didn't fix/thaw a pipe, install a toilet, repair a sink, and A floor. Wally often employed his children & nephews as plumber helpers; he cherished the memories he built with them. He also loved helping others and often accepted fryer chickens or baked goods as payment for his services. He spent many years in various areas of construction including the WRAC.

In the summers you could always find the Jones family down at Baker Field as Wally had a passion for baseball. He played with many teams over the years, the most memorable one being Wray Redi Mix. He also enjoyed late night trips to Lake McConaughy, Trenton or Bonny Dam for fishing & fun with friends and family. Some of those trips are memories that many of you shared. You could also find Wally at any one of the local diners having coffee in the morning & tea in the afternoon with all his fellow gossipers.. err we mean tradesmen.

In the early 80’s, Wally attended an auction at the Laird Methodist Church to bid on the overhead heaters. Low & behold instead of buying the heaters, he bought the Church!! He & his family spent the next several months remodeling it into a beautiful home. With Wanda’s eye for design & his carpentry skills, their Church home became a “haunted” show home. (If interested, ask why it was haunted!) Many travelers, friends & community members stopped by to peek, so much so that Wanda & Wally placed a guestbook at the front door.

In 1993, Wally, Wanda & Kasey moved to Weatherford, Texas for their next adventure. Wally worked as a handyman for a while before becoming the Head of Maintenance at Brock ISD , later joining the Maintenance staff at Weatherford College from where he retired.

He spent his final years tending his garden, building woodworking projects, researching many interests on the internet & of course getting as much family time as he could.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents Homer & May Jones, his In-laws Alfred & Ruth Shepherd. His wife of nearly 55 years Wanda Jones, beautiful daughter Kim Jones-Sudbeck Brothers: Quinten, Galen, Gary, Milton, Sisters: Kay & Janet In-laws: Venetta, Lucy, Dorn, Gordon, Alta, Ruth, “B”, Harry, Lyle, Bonnie, Ronald, Sterling, & Janit. Nephews: Randy, Monte & Josh & nieces: Vonda & Linda.

Wally is survived by his children Wally Joe (Trudy), Kelly (Gina), Buffy (Kevin), Toni (Roy), Kasey (Bryce), and son-in law Gordy. Grandchildren: Misti, Ashley (Kenneth), Audra (Peter), Darrus (Sarah), Tyler, Travis (Sam), Hunter, Rebecca, Jenna (Ty), Paige, Taylor (Iris) & Kady, Rob (Brittany), & Tom (Jessica); Great grandkids: Aiden, Ella, Brooks, Theo, Maggie, Ryker, Blakely, Renner, Ruxon, Boden, Miana & Macson; His siblings: Alan (Judy), Sam, Carol (Dean), Dave (Barb) & Denis (Deena) Brother in-laws: Dean & Bob; Sister in laws: Merlynn, Bobbi & Jackie along with numerous nieces, nephews & friends.

A memorial Service will be head at the Wray United Methodist Church Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to: Kim Jones Passion Fund c\o University of Nebraska Foundation 2285 South 67th Street Suite 200 Omaha, NE 68106.

Jones Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.