Merrell Jones Obituary (1938

Merrell Robert Jones, fondly called Bob by all who knew him, passed away peacefully at home in the early morning hours of January 12, 2015. Bob was born to Eulalia (Lael) Brown and Daniel Merrell Jones on June 27, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The family eventually moved to Cedar City, Utah where his father was a lab technician at the hospital and the county health officer. His mother was a librarian at then CSU for many years. In Cedar City, his sister Linda Clare joined the family when Bob was five years old. Early in his life, Bob was stricken with polio. His parents' diligence in overseeing that he did his physical therapy made it so he was able to walk unaided for many years. Eventually the virus returned as post-polio syndrome. Bob fought a brave fight against this and Alzheimer's disease. To the end, he remained remarkably kind and loving, and he was cared for tenderly and diligently by his dear wife, Carol. After high school, Bob left Cedar City to attend the University of Utah where he became interested in physics, completing his Ph.D. in 1970. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann Parry (daughter of Edward Arthur and Hilda Harwood Parry), in the St. George Temple on March 21, 1959. Carol then joined Bob in Salt Lake City. One of the highlights of their early marriage was being able to spend nine months in Brazil where Bob had a Fulbright Scholarship. Bob and Carol had six children. Bob was an outstanding father who provided many opportunities for his children, and spent many happy hours with his family. Bob was hired by the college of Southern Utah in 1966. As the school grew to become Southern Utah University, Bob was very involved in its growth, serving as the Head of the Physical Science department for many years. He was also instrumental in starting the computer science program and building the Ashcroft Observatory. He and his wife did much of the finishing work at the observatory. He loved teaching pre-med physics, astronomy and computer programming. He was influential in the lives of many students. After his retirement in 1999, Bob taught for one additional year, donating his salary to fund an endowed scholarship at SUU in computer science. Bob also had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a very tender man. Guided by the example of their parents, Bob and Carol sought out opportunities to quietly help others wherever they could. Bob served as bishop of the Cedar Second Ward. After his retirement, Bob and Carol served an LDS mission in San Jose, California where they made lasting friendships. After the death of her husband, their friend Adelina Hernandez moved to Cedar City to be near Bob and Carol. She has become a dear part of their family. He is survived by his wife Carol, his children, Ruth J. Scovill of Cedar, Mark R. (Vangie) Jones of Lehi, Daniel M. (Darla) Jones of Cedar, Stephen E. (Alane) Jones of Hurricane, Becky J. (Brad) Edwards of South Jordan, and David P. (Chris) Jones of Salt Lake and thirty grandchildren. His family was the light of his life. Bob is also survived by his sister Linda Clare (John) Anderson of Seattle, Washington and a large extended family. Bob and Carol also had a strong circle of dearly loved friends. Visitations will be held on Friday, January 16, 2015 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Southern Utah Mortuary (190 North 300 West, Cedar City, Utah), and Saturday, January 17 from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Cross Hollows Stake Center (2830 West Cody Drive, Cedar City, Utah). Funeral services will be held at the Cross Hollows Stake Center on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 11:00 am. Following the services, interment will be at the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences can be sent to www.sumortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Merrell Robert Jones scholarship fund at Southern Utah University. The family wishes to thank Shirlene Chaffee of Iron County Home Health, Dr. Gary Clark, and Dr. Jason North for their help in caring for Bob as his health declined in later years.