Edgar A. Jones was born Feb. 24, 1926, to Edna E. and Frank M. Jones. He died March 12, 2024, after celebrating his 98th birthday on the Jones Farm near Wildwood.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Norine, to whom he was married for 73 years before she passed away in 2023.
Always a good neighbor himself, Ed received and appreciated the support of Boistfort neighbors. He was particularly grateful for Mark Wilson’s many helpful visits after Norine’s death.
Except for two years in the U.S Army, first for training in Texas and then deployed to Germany, Ed lived on the farm. From 1956 to 1976, he operated a grade A dairy with a very productive herd of Guernsey cows. Ed received recognition for improving the land, growing nutritious forage and increasing the performance of his herd.
From an early age, Ed and Norine participated in Baw Faw Grange. They did everything from holding offices and attending state conventions to gathering fruits and vegetables for the Grange display at the Southwest Washington Fair. Ed’s service as a local representative for Grange Mutual Insurance led to a second career when he turned 50 and shifted his attention from dairy farming to insurance. He was an outstanding agent, building his knowledge of the farm community and receiving many trips to vacation destinations around the U.S. as a reward for his sales performance. He and Norine especially enjoyed trips to Hawaii and were delighted when the McGough family moved to the Boistfort Valley from Hawaii.
Ed also excelled at hosting events at the farm for family reunions and holidays. Some remember the ice cream churn, birthday party, baby shower or just getting together with family to celebrate. His trademark farewell was usually sung: “Good night, Ma. Goodnight Pa. Good Muley with the old Hee Haw.”
He is survived by his sister, Nellie Wagner, of Wapato, Washington, and many nieces and nephews who treasure memorable times at the farm with Uncle Ed. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Harold, Gordon, Norman, Robert, Ernest and Steve, as well as his youngest sister, Mary Lou Wetzel.
Memorial gifts can be made to Baw Faw Grange – Roof Fund. Email bawfawgrange34@gmail.com for more information.
All are welcome to say their last goodbyes to Ed at his viewing on from noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 4, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel, 1437 S. Gold St., Centralia, Washington.
To celebrate a life well lived, a memorial service will be held at noon Friday, April 5, at the Baw Faw Grange Hall, 995 Boistfort Road, Curtis, Washington.
