Keith Jones

Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022, five days after celebrating his 88th birthday with family, Keith Harlow Jones passed away peacefully at his home in Durango. Keith was born to Chris and Effie Jones at their home near Cortez, on April 12, 1934. One month later, the family moved to Dunton, CO, where Keith spent much of his youth. Keith loved telling stories, always mixed with humor, about his adventures in Dunton, about being given responsibilities beyond his years, and about the mischief that he and his friend ‘K’ Rusho or his sister Barbara would create.
Keith learned to drive at age 9 and at age 14 acquired a driver’s license, which he took advantage of when he started high school in Mancos, CO. Keith became a school bus driver, running two routes before school and taking basketball teams to games, including over the passes to Silverton. He played the bass drum in the band, liked to dance, and go to the movies. It was in band that he met Mary Lou Swenk. They married December 14, 1952 in Aztec, NM and had two children: a daughter, Naomi and
son, Dana. Keith and Mary Lou were married for 25 years.
In 1955 Keith found his career with Jackson- David Bottling Co in Durango, retiring as Sales Manager in 1985. He married Dinah Calhoun on February 24, 1978 and welcomed her children, Jerry and Darrell Calhoun and Trish Wagner into the family. At their anniversary this year, Keith and Dinah expressed thankfulness for their many blessings and especially for the 44 years of love they shared.
Keith always felt most comfortable in the mountains. In his youth, he rode his favorite horse, Honey, with his dog, Ring, by his side. Later with family he went fishing, hunting, and exploring by jeep, ATV or snow mobile, camping, skiing, bicycling. Still later, he enjoyed sharing his mountain stories with his coffee buddies.
Keith and Dinah attended The River Church for 45 years. Growing up, Keith’s family had struggled through many hardships. He had witnessed the steadfast faith of his parents and experienced the love of God through prayers answered. Keith and Dinah’s faith in the Lord guided their everyday lives.
Keith is survived by his wife, Dinah, who was by his side at his passing; his children Naomi Morrison of Flagstaff, AZ, and Dana Jones of Durango; stepchildren Jerry Calhoun of Inola, OK, Darrell Calhoun of Cedaredge, CO, and Trish Wagner of Pueblo, CO; brother Lyle Jones of Wasilla, AK; nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one on the way.
Services will be held on April 30 at 10:30am at Hood Mortuary with interment to follow at Greenmount Cemetery.