Arthur "Art" Jones

Arthur Rey Jones was called home to be with his Heavenly Father on October 8, 2021, after his battle with colorectal cancer.

Art was born October 27, 1951, in Farmington, NM to Myles and Elsie (Swapp) Jones. Art spent his youth in the Fruitland, NM area working on their family farm. When he was not working at home, he kept busy with other noteworthy endeavors. In addition to being a former delegate to Boys State and to the Governor's Youth Conference, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout from the Boys Scouts of America and the Duty to God Award given to young men who excelled in priesthood duties within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He graduated from Central High School in Kirtland, NM in 1969, and then attended New Mexico State University where he graduated with a degree in Agricultural Economics. He was active in the Future Farmers of America and Sigma Gamma Chi. He completed a two-year mission in Central America for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After his mission, and while attending NMSU, he met and married JoAnn Musick. They were married and sealed in the Manti Utah Temple in Manti, UT on April 6, 1974. They lived in Las Cruces, NM for many years where all six of their living children were born. Art began his career working for Production Credit Association in Las Cruces, New Mexico where he made short-term and intermediate-term agricultural production loans to farmers and ranchers. He transferred to Roswell, NM for a short time until an opportunity to make a permanent residence in Clovis, NM presented itself, and he then worked for about 20 years. He changed his career and began working for Pioneer Seed Company as a Sales Rep as well as delivering seed to farmers, and started his own company, JAR Enterprises. After his first wife passed away from cancer, he then met Diane Walker and they were married on February 10, 2012, and later sealed in the Lubbock Texas Temple on February 16, 2013, adding her five children to the family.

He took pleasure in attending to his yard and garden, which never grew celery as he despised it.  He didn't even allow it in the house. When he wasn't in his garden you could find him with his nose in a book. He never read a Louis L'Amour book he didn't enjoy. The only thing Art loved more than Westerns and Sci-Fi was his family. Art loved spending time playing games at the table and enjoyed teaching card games and board games to his children and grandchildren. He was very proud that all his children graduated from Clovis High School. You could still find him cheering from the stands for the Wildcats, even after his children started families of their own. Baskin Robins may have its 31 flavors, but Art has his 31 grandchildren, each with unique flavors of their own.

He is survived by his wife Diane Walker Jones and their combined 11 children: Angela Garcia (Mike), DeAnna Duckworth (Robbie), David Jones (Sarah), Scott Jones (Lela), Steven Jones (Jenny), Jeff Jones (Ashley), Christi Walker, Melinda Walker, Gary Walker (LaRecia), Kimberlee Martinez (Jose), Casey Walker (Tay) and 31 grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother Elsie Jones, siblings Sharon Miller (Stan), Marsha Edwards (Chick), Carma Reeder (Brent), Blaine Jones (Marylee), Nathan Jones (Chantal) and Myla Palmer (Mike). He was preceded in death by his father Myles Rey Jones, his first wife JoAnn Musick Jones and one daughter, Jennifer Ann Jones.

Viewing will be held at Steed-Todd Funeral Home, 800 E. Manana, Clovis, NM on Friday October 15 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2800 Lore St. in Clovis, NM on Saturday October 16 at 10:00 am with Bishop Gregory Bobo officiating. Interment will follow at Lawn Haven Memorial Gardens. Casket Bearers will be David Jones, Scott Jones, Steven Jones, Jeff Jones, Mike Garcia, Paris Garcia, Robbie Duckworth, Gary Walker, and Casey Walker. Arrangements are by Steed-Todd Funeral Home, 800 E. Manana, Clovis, New Mexico 88101, 575-763-5541.