Arthur Wayne Jones

Art was born on June 10, 1929 in Castaic, California to Arthur & Florence Jones. A Birth date that he would share with his father. Growing up in Castaic as one of six children. At an early age Arts work ethic was formed with such jobs as a stable boy at the iconic Santa Anita Racetrack, he would also deliver hay to people’s houses and ranch’s to feed their livestock. During times of harvesting Art would travel to pick and deliver potatoes. Art took pleasure in riding horses in rodeos. It was here, at one of the rodeos that he would meet the most gorgeous cowgirl he had ever laid eyes upon, a young Ms. Marilyn Rose Courter. However Ms. Marilyn lived 30 miles away in Burbank. The two developed a fondness for each other that distance could not keep them apart. Neither had an automobile and the 30 miles one way that separated them would have to be traveled on horseback. They would take turns making the 60 mile round trip on horseback to spend time with each other during their courtship.

In 1950 Arthur and Marilyn married, had their first child and moved to Bakersfield, Ca. In 1952 both Arthur and Marilyn started their own business, Valley Tree. A small tree trimming business that would eventually set roots and grow into a very successful Demolition business. For years a little house on South Mt. Vernon served as the shop, equipment yard and residence where they raised their 5 children. Eventually after years of hard work and dedication they were finally able to buy some land north of the old Mesa Marin Raceway where they developed and built their lifelong dream, Valley Tree Ranch. Valley Tree Ranch encompassed the two’s love for animals, mainly Quarter horses. Over the years it housed hundreds of horses, cows, dogs, cats, chickens, roosters, wild peacocks, white doves, buffalos and a lake filled with blue gill, ducks, geese, and many bull frogs and old Cojack the donkey. More importantly the ranch raised Art and Marilyn’s family. It was a place where their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren could visit to escape the city life and get back to the way Grandma and Grandpa intended for us to grow up. A way of hard work and appreciation of family and love for animals. It’s where most of us spent our adolescent summers working our first jobs learning how hard it is to earn a dollar.

Art was a great big man standing 6’4” and weighing in at 300lbs. A short high and tight blonde haired head with the deepest ice blue eyes that calmed you or froze you in your tracks when you done wrong. He possessed the strength of an ox, the leadership of a lion, the kindness of a lamb and the stubbornness of a mule. His hands were massive and calloused, yet held his grandchildren more gently than a soft wind cradles a leaf to the earth. But be assured, you best not offer up a limp noodle handshake to this gentle giant. For a man’s handshake should be firm, strong and honest like his word. No matter what the occasion you could guarantee Art would be wearing his scuffed up cowboy boots, a faded pair of 501 Levi’s supported by suspenders with brass clamps. A colorful ivory button up cowboy shirt and of course the covenant 10X+ Stetson cowboy hat that he wore oh so gracefully. He was a businessman with a dedicated work ethic that he instilled upon his family. With the success of Valley Tree the Jones family shared in every way possible to give back to the community. Donating to local youth sporting programs, schools and young FFA students. Through the construction business and the ranch they employed many people over the years, taking in each employee as if it were their own family member. He touched many people’s lives during his lifetime and will leave a great void in the hearts of all that were blessed to know him. The little things made dad happy just sitting down watching a Dodger game with him or agreeing to drive him to the casino – Your winning Big now Dad.

2014 had been a hard year living without the love of his life Marilyn, who had passed in October of 2013. At times you could catch Grandpa sitting in his chair starring up and smiling at the picture of Grandma that hung on the adjacent wall above the entertainment center. So on an overcast Thursday afternoon at 4:12pm on the 20th of November 2014, the clouds parted long enough to make way for one of heavens most beautiful angels to come down and take her beloved husbands hand and lead him from this earth to his eternal home. Arthur Wayne Jones is survived by his 5 children Douglas Jones, Debbie Powell, Don Jones, David & Vicki Jones, Diane & Mark Sanchez, sister in-laws Enita & Bill Brandt, and Sharon Gibbs. 14 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and his 3 canine companions Amos, Honey & Roxy.

The Jones family would like to give thanks to Optimal Hospice Care, Robert, Alma, Juanita and in house caretaker Mellissa. A HUGE thank you to Laura Mundy Kay. Art, Dad, Grandpa, you have instilled a legacy of unending love, dedication & pride upon us. You taught us to be individuals, to be outspoken and to fight for what we stand for and believe in. Your spirit will forever endure within our hearts and minds. Thank you for being the mountain of a man that you were. Viewing to be held Tuesday, November 25th from 4:00-8:00 pm at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery and Graveside services to be held Wednesday at 12:00 noon at Hillcrest Memorial Cemetery. 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Bakersfield, CA. Reception to be held directly after funeral at the Jones residence.