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Bob (Robert) D. Jones, 73

| November 30, 2021 1:00 AM

Bob (Robert) D. Jones, 73

On Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, we lost our loving Husband, Father and Grandpa way too soon. Bob was born Nov. 7, 1948 to Ken and Doris Jones in Seattle, Washington. The oldest of four he grew up in Renton, Washington but spent many a summer in Washougal with his Grandma Esther, Grandpa Bob and cousins. He often talked about his summers spent with Grandpa Bob who shared with him his love of the outdoors.

After high school, Bob proudly enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country in Vietnam. Those who knew Bob know he was a proud veteran and patriot. He loved his country. Upon returning home from Vietnam, he utilized his military training in communications and began his 30-year career with GTE. During his tenure with the phone company, he was a lineman, cable splicer and a skilled backhoe operator. Bob could never sit still. After retiring from GTE/Verizon, he became a telecommunications contractor where he was able to travel and mentor the younger crowd. He loved what he did and made many lifelong friends throughout his career.

While working in Kennewick, Bob met his loving wife Debbie who also worked for the phone company. In 1977 they married and transferred to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where they started a family and raised their two daughters.

He loved everything Idaho had to offer and always looked forward to hunting season, oftentimes preparing as early as August! During his retirement years he enjoyed golfing, meeting friends for coffee or schooners, and tinkering around in his shop. He had a green thumb and took great pride in his yearly backyard garden. He loved the summer months when he could spend hours on end boating on Lake Pend Oreille and fishing on Kelso Lake.

Bob had a zest for life and knew no stranger. He had a quick-witted sense of humor and a laugh that was contagious. He loved spending time with his family, especially his four granddaughters. When they were all together, they always made a beeline for his shop to share stories, admire treasures and take turns getting rides on his side-by-side. Bob loved taking them to get ice cream and overall relished his role as a grandpa.

He is preceded in death by his father, Kenneth A. Jones. He is survived by his wife, Debbie, of 45 years; oldest daughter, Stefanie, and her husband, Bart Lagomarsino and granddaughters, Alyssa and Ella of Lebanon Township, N.J.; youngest daughter, Tiffany Jones and granddaughters, Ali and Veronica of Hayden, Idaho; his mother, Doris Likens of Sandpoint, Idaho; brothers, Scott of N.E., Texas and Ken of Moyie Springs, Idaho; sister, Mary (Doyle) Reader of Sandpoint, Idaho; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family in Washougal.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements. Please visit Bob’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at yatesfuneralhomes.com.