Larry Dean Jones

Larry Jones—a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend—passed away on February 5, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of adventure and love. A Navy veteran who played a role in the dawn of the Space Age, Larry was a man of many talents—from his 15-year career at AT&T to his years as a business owner in Shenandoah. A man of quiet strength and steadfast faith, Larry’s life was defined by his service to his country and his unwavering love for his family.

A 1956 graduate of Shenandoah High School and an ROTC member, Larry continued his education at Northwest Missouri State College before answering the call to serve in the United States Navy. As a Radioman aboard a Lockheed P2V Neptune with Squadron Five, he was stationed in Jacksonville FL and Iceland. Larry’s technical skill earned him a place in history; he received recommendations for his role in the tracking and recovery operations for the Project Mercury space flights of Alan Shepard and Gus Grissom in 1961.

In 1963, Larry married the love of his life, Jeanette Goodman of Coin Iowa. Together, they built a life of 62 years, raising two sons, Kevin and Kyle. Larry was a dedicated provider, working for AT&T for 15 years, operating his own business in Shenandoah Iowa, working for Imperial Clevite Inc. in Atlantic Iowa and Motorola in Phoenix AZ. In retirement, Larry and Jeanette found joy on the open road, traveling the country in their 5th wheel to visit those they held dear and making everlasting memories along the way.

Larry is reunited in peace with his parents, Earl and Pauline Jones; his sister, Connie Greenwalt; an infant brother; and his son, Kyle Jones. His legacy and heart lives on through his wife, Jeanette Jones (Chandler, AZ); his sister, Annie (Larry) Sowers (Mesa, AZ); son Kevin (Stephanie) Jones (Gilbert, AZ); daughter-in-law, Lisa Jones (Tempe, AZ); his grandchildren, Kelly Jones (Houston, TX), Tyler (Lauren) Jones (Gilbert, AZ); Hannah (Luke) Barnes (Laveen, AZ); Brandon (Emma) Jones (Gilbert, AZ); and seven cherished great-grandchildren.

Larry lived by the words of John 8:31-32: "If you hold to my teachings, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." A private family ceremony will be held in Chandler, AZ.