David Lewis Jones

As a young man, Dave loved working on his 47 Chevy and racing it. In general, he liked doing mechanical work. And playing hard—especially in Junior College. At his young age, junior college wasn’t his priority, so he went to work for the local Teamster’s Union and proudly acknowledged throughout his life that he’d actually met Jimmy Hoffa and had shaken his hand.

Dave’s love of cars and all things mechanical eventually led him to Ferris State Institute where he completed a two-year Technical Degree.

The lure of greater adventure and an innate desire to help other people was his motivation for entering the Peace Corps. He served a two-year stint at Karaj, Iran, from 1964-1966, teaching agricultural mechanics to Iranian students. In subsequent years, when facing a particularly daunting challenge to his health or his career, Dave responded that he’d already faced and overcome the greatest challenge of his life: being the only American in Karaj, Iran for six months - with all the attendant language and cultural differences. The loneliness he felt was overwhelming! That experience helped further develop his empathy for tough situations.

Dave was passionate about work. He held all kinds of jobs/positions - ranging from mechanic to sales to service to marketing. He traveled extensively to Mexico, to Italy, and to Sweden; he was proud to share that he’d been in 41 countries over the course of his lifetime.

After employment with major corporations during the beginning of his career, Dave began a position at a small ag firm in Huron - which led to other opportunities in California. He eventually became Director of the Hanford Visitor Agency - a position that he considered his very favorite! His creative juices flowed as he developed and implemented new paths for bringing visitors to Hanford - via Amtrak as well as tour buses from all over California. Dave delighted in introducing visitors to the Episcopal Church (the original and secondary buildings), the carousel, the fire truck, China Alley, Fox Theatre and Japanese Cultural Arts Center. His crowning achievement was enticing Huell Howser to visit Hanford and do a “California Gold” show about Dave’s adopted hometown.

In each of his positions, Dave’s greatest ability was developing his employees. A number of people related that Dave was the greatest boss they’d ever had.

Dave’s love of repairing old cars lasted throughout his lifetime. One of his favorite cars was the 1958 Volvo 444 that he bought from a friend for $500. That price included a new engine, a new transmission, carburetors, bumpers and a million smaller parts! Every member of the family drove that car to work and/or to school. As more used Volvos were purchased, Dave kept them running —as well as an old Toyota, a Ford, and a Chevy truck. He felt gratitude and joy when he sold a Volvo for $1 to a man who desperately needed a car for his daughter.

Dave’s commitment to social justice was evident not only in his Peace Corps experience but also in a Social Justice class he led at a local church. As a facilitator, he made sure to invite a Muslim Imam to speak to the group. He spoke to high school students to share possibilities awaiting them in the world beyond high school - which gave them permission to dream of what they could become. In Des Moines, Dave and his family were leaving a restaurant when a Middle Eastern family came in but sat apart from other customers who were waiting for tables. Dave took the time to speak to the family - to greet them and to bestow the same graciousness that was a part of Middle Eastern culture. He set examples and shared often with his family the importance of compassion, inclusion, diversity and kindness.

Dave Jones was approachable, very sociable!, and eager to share his experiences with anyone who was interested in hearing more about the world.

As years passed, Dave’s body was subjected to multiple surgeries as well as life-threatening events. He overcame each traumatic incident with the conviction that it was one more thing he had to overcome. Alas, his most recent hospitalization was too big a battle for his weakened system.

On October 28, 2022, David Lewis Jones soared on eagle’s wings to peace and joy.

Dave is survived by Linda, his wife of 54 years; their four children: Chris Jones (and Meredith) of Urbandale IA; Lisa Ford (and Jim) of Burlington, NJ; Lindsay Jones of Hanford CA; and Aaryn Mackey (and Jason) of Hanford, CA; nine grandchildren: Trevor, Blake and Riley Jones; Jackson and Molly Ford; Malaki Estrada; and Eleanor, Thomas, and Camilla Mackey; and his brother, Don Jones, of Albuquerque, NM. Dave was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Irene Jones.

Our parting words for Dave are the same he said to us whenever anyone left: “Bye. Love ya. Be Careful!”

A Celebration of Life for Dave will be held on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 10:30 AM at First Presbyterian Church (415 N Redington St, Hanford, CA 93230) with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Saviour Soup Kitchen (519 N Douty St, Hanford, CA 93230).