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Sam Jones
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Sam A. Jones, 95, passed away Sunday, May 6, 2012 in the comfort of his own home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on March 25, 1917 in Azusa, CA, to Martin B. and Edna Jones.

Mr. Jones spent the first several years of his life in southern California, then moved with his family to Escalon, where he attended high school.

He worked for Douglas Aircraft prior to serving in the US Army during WWII. While in Santa Monica, he married Dorothy Rice, and they moved back to Escalon where he started his own construction company. From 1970 to 1980, Sam and Dorothy lived in Hilo, Hawaii, where he worked as a building contractor.

While in Hawaii, he was a volunteer pilot for the Civil Air Patrol, during which time he served as squadron commander. His duties included piloting for search missions. He also flew several missions for the University of Hawaii, counting dolphins, etc.

After his retirement in 1980, Mr. Jones and his wife moved to Murray Creek Canyon, in San Andreas, CA, where they built in a solar home. While living there, he became a volunteer for the Calaveras Senior Volunteer Group - where he was known for assisting seniors with handyman projects, and driving them to their doctors' appointments.

In 2006 Mr. Jones moved onto his son, Ray's property, east of Stockton, where he worked on various hobbies in his shop. During that time, he was an active member of Escalon Historical Society, until moving to The Vintage retirement home in Lodi, in 2010.

While a resident-ambassador at The Vintage, he made it his mission to welcome all new residents, and to create birthday cards on his computer, which he hand-delivered to everyone on their birthdays. He was honored to be named Mardi-Gras King at one of their festivities.

Mr. Jones' most recent enterprise, was making wind chimes from oxygen cylinders for his friends and family.

Survivors include his daughter, Carol Burns and son-in-law Robert Burns; son, Ray Jones and daughter-in-law Dianne Jones; daughter, Barbara Kniffin; grandsons Jonathon Jones, Tony Jones, David Kniffin and Brian Kniffin; great granddaughter Summer Kniffin; sister June Hammond; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by wife, Dorothy Jones who died in 1992, after 50 years of marriage; son Philip Jones, two sisters, Thelma Fueston and Sheila Verhage and one brother, M.B. (Curley) Jones.

Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 2 p.m. at The Vintage Retirement Home, 2145 W. Kettleman Lane in Lodi.

Memorial contributions may be made to Bristol Hospice Foundation, 2140 Professional Dr., Ste. 210, Roseville, CA 95661, or to the charity of your choice.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

May 9, 2012

Eleanor Orman

Eleanor J. Orman, 69, passed away on Thursday April 26, 2012.

She was born on Dec. 17, 1942.

She absolutely adored her Germen Shepherd "Bud" and won several ribbons showing him. That was one of her greatest interests. She also loved gardening and cherished family time with her loving family. Eleanor will be forever missed.

Survivors include her son, Steve Bacon; her grandchildren Tony Orman (Jennifer), Josh Orman, Jeremy Bacon, Leanna Orman, and Carly Orman, and her great-grandchildren Emma, Aubrie, Alexis, and Dominick; and brothers and sister-in-laws Jim and Cathy Orman, and Jack and Betty Orman.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Larry Orman, and her parents. Deegan Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

Private services. For condolences to the family, please visit her online guestbook at www.deeganfuneralchapels.com.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

May 9, 2012