Gary W. Jones, O.D.
July 1, 1941 – February 12, 2024
Gary Wayne Jones, 82, passed away on February 12, 2024, at their winter home in Surprise, AZ surrounded by his wife, Shirley, and their three children, Jeff, Jamie, and Matt. He had been in declining health for the past five years but fought bravely to get better.
Gary was born July 1, 1941, in Sweet Home to K. Wayne and Cleda (Wilson) Jones. He was the younger of their two kids and a joy to the family.
Gary grew up in Sweet Home and loved his small hometown and the friends made during those years. Always known as a natural athlete with an immense work ethic, his school years were filled with many accolades, awards and accomplishments. In his senior year, he was student body president. He excelled in high school basketball and baseball.
In 1957, his Sweet Home baseball team upset their opponents to win the American Legion Junior State Championship. Gary went on to play college baseball.
On September 12, 1964, Gary married his Sportsman’s Holiday Queen, Shirley Richards. This coming September would have marked 60 years of marriage. Gary was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college. He graduated with his doctorate from Pacific University School of Optometry in 1967 and the couple welcomed their first son Jeffrey (who would later follow in his dad’s footsteps as an optometrist).
The job market was tough in Oregon and Gary soon found work in Edmonton, Alberta, so they loaded up their Volkswagen and headed north.
Soon after getting settled in Canada, the homesickness set in and the couple returned to Oregon where Gary set up a private optometry practice in Lebanon. Their second child, Jamie, was born in 1970 and five years later Matt snuck into the family.
Gary devoted 35 years in Lebanon building a successful business and being an active and involved family man. He found joy in coaching and was a mentor to many in the community. He loved teaching and watching his kids and grandkids in their many sports.
Gary retired in 2003, and he and Shirley moved to Redmond to be closer to their kids and grandkids in Central Oregon. Within a few years they purchased a second home in Surprise, AZ in the same neighborhood as their closest Sweet Home High School friends where they would winter and feel like kids on Spring Break for six months out of the year.
Gary enjoyed long walks, playing golf and tennis, keeping an immaculate yard and raising tomatoes and zucchini. For 13 years in Lebanon, Gary and Shirley hosted their annual Jones Cup tennis tournament with their friends. He was a loyal fan of the Seattle Mariners baseball team.
Gary will always be remembered for his devotion to family, his big smile, athletic ability and leadership. His kind heart and sincere personality made it easy to build lifelong relationships with many. Gary took special pride in his large and growing family, including grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by family and all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Gary is survived by his wife, Shirley Jones, children and spouses: Jeff and Susie Jones of Bend, Jamie and Brad Mangan of Klamath Falls, and Matt and Jessica Jones of Redmond. His nine grandchildren and spouses: Tyler and Jessica Jones, Andy Jones, Alex and Kelsey Mangan, Jacob and Jesse Mangan, Ellie Mangan, Skyler Jones, Tanner Jones, Tori Jones and Kelsi Jones. His great-granddaughters: Paisley Mangan and soon to be born Marley Mangan.
Gary is preceded in death by his parents, K. Wayne and Cleda Jones and sister Sandra Van Epps.
A celebration of Gary’s life will be on May 25, at 1:00 at Pineway Golf Course in Lebanon. Please join us to share memories of this special man.