Melvin Dale Jones

Dale was born on July 13, 1941, in Waldo, Arkansas, to Artie P. Jones and Coy V. Dwiggins. When he was very young, his family moved to the mountain community of Foresthill, California, where he developed a lifelong love of hunting and fishing. He had a deep affection for his bird dogs over the years, who were not only loyal hunting companions but beloved members of the family.

He graduated from Placer Union High School in 1959, where he served as a Cadet First Lieutenant in the California Cadet Corps. He was also a proud member of the National Rifle Association, earning Marksman First Class and Sharpshooter qualifications—skills that later fueled his passion for trap and skeet shooting. Dale participated in numerous tournaments across California and Nevada and especially looked forward to his annual hunting trips to Arizona and Oregon. A devoted outdoorsman, he was a member of both the local Bow Club and the Banning Sportsman Club, ensuring his children, Bryan and Rochelle, shared in his love for archery.

Dale served in the U.S. Army as a Communication Specialist and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. His service was recognized with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Marksman (Rifle M14), and one Overseas Service Bar.

Following his military service, Dale and his brother Don co-owned and operated D&D Machine Service in Calimesa for many years, retiring in June 2003. More than just a business, D&D Machine became a gathering place for friends after a long day’s work.

In retirement, Dale found joy and camaraderie playing golf four to five days a week at the Calimesa Golf Course until its closure. He also enjoyed his daily walks at the Sports Park with his son-in-law, Greg—cherished time filled with conversation, laughter, and connection. One of his most treasured traditions in later years was his weekly Wednesday lunches with his dear friends and family.

Dale is survived by his beloved wife, Phyllis; his children, Bryan Jones (Donna) and Rochelle Baker (Greg); and his grandchildren, Ellie and Alex Jones, and Brandt, Kaitlyn, and Brooklyn Baker. More than anything, he loved his grandchildren and took great pride in being a part of their lives, cheering them on in all they did and cherishing every moment spent with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Artie and Coy, and his siblings: Florence, Paul Christopher, William Chelsea, Donald Wayne, Wilma “Catherine,” Ollie Veda, and Russell Dean.

Dale will be remembered for his unwavering friendships, his proud service to his country, his deep love of family, and his quiet strength, humor, and appreciation for the simple joys in life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Weaver Mortuary, 1177 Beaumont Ave, Beaumont, CA. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 12:15 PM at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.