| Graduation Year | Class of 1971 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 13, 2016 |
| About | Merl Jones, 62 died unexpectedly from a heart attack March 13, 2016. Born in California to Merlyn Jones and Doris Carpenter. Graduated in '71 at Quincy High and joined the Army. He left at 5'9" served 3 years in Frankfort, Germany, Fort Lewis, & Fort Hood, TX and he came out at 6'4" tall. Met & married his first wife Ronda in Arlington, TX. They had a son named Jeremiah. Worked as a foreman for ARA in Dallas,TX. Also during this time him and his friends formed a band called Rip-Laf, they were to open for Poison but one of the band members had gotten sick so Panterera got the gig. He married Tammy and gained a step daughter and two more sons Chris and Zack. They moved to Washington in '91. He was a horse farrier for a couple years then became a Service Tech and later a Salesman for Food Services of America for 17 years. He had been working for US Foods for the last 5. He loved working with people. He was a movie fanatic, loved all kinds of music, golfing, biking, traveling, dogs(agility), horses(king pinning in Texas and trail riding),learning new things, playing baseball and with his Grandkids. Patience was his strong suit, making him a wonderful teacher. He was always the peacemaker and the calm voice of reason. He is survived by his parents Jim and Doris Carpenter, his loving companion Tina Stafford, and her sons Buddy and Tanner(Aleiha), son Jeremiah of TX, Jenifer(Jareb), Chris(Susan), Zack(Francesca) of Utah. Siblings Kathy Lewis, Tom(Cathy)Jones, Jennifer Jones and 15 grandkids. A friend of Merl's wrote the following words: I learned a lot from him. I learned after the first day I met him that he came across as a simple country boy but he was wicked smart. I learned that he was one of the most honest people I have ever known. I learned that I could trust him all day, and anything we discussed was always kept confidential. I learned he had a great sense of humor. I learned he was very loyal to the people in his life. I learned he was good to every person he met. I learned he loved animals. I learned that he has known hell more than most people, suffered a lot, and dealt with it in a positive way. I learned that he was one of the toughest son a’ bitches I have ever known and he wouldn’t hurt a fly unless he had to. |
