Jones, Donald David

Donald David Jones was born in Sydney, Nebraska, on June 17, 
1917, to David and Mildred Jones. The family moved to 
California in 1923 where he graduated from Compton High 
School and Compton Junior College. Don married May Robinson 
on November 3, 1941, and joined the Army on Valentine's Day, 
1942. He trained in Texas and shipped out to the Pacific Theater 
in June 1942. Don served in the Signal Corps in New Guinea in 
1943 prior to transferring to Australia where he became General 
Douglas MacArthur's chief Teletype operator. Mac would lean 
over Don's shoulder, dictate what to put on the wire, and watch 
what was coming in on Don's Teletype. Mac never called him by 
rank and name; he simply called him #soldier'. Prior to and after 
the war Don worked in the food industry for Safeway and Von's 
Grocery stores. He managed several stores in the greater Los 
Angeles area and retired in 1982. Don was a Mason for almost 50 
years, joining Whittier Lodge #323 and earning his 3rd degree in 
1960. He joined Al Malaikah Shrine in 1963, became Master of 
Whittier Lodge in 1974, officer's coach for six years, and 
Inspector of the 608th Masonic District, California Grand Lodge, 
for eight years. He was president of the Whittier Shrine Club in 
1970 and joined the Scottish Rite in 1980. Don became Worthy 
Patron of Lyra Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in 1967 
and again in 1970 with his wife May. After moving to Boise, ID, 
in 1989 May and Don joined the areas Masonic groups: Boise 
Lodge #2 and Boise Chapter #65 O.E.S, later transferring 
membership in York and Scottish Rites and his Shrine 
memberships to Boise area groups. Other honors included 
Worthy Patron OES Boise in 1992-93, 1994-95, and 1999-2000. 
He was Grand Representative to Montana in 2002, president of 
the Egg and Shell Club, and secretary of the Cameleers for many 
years. Don also held memberships in the Meridian Shrine Club, 
Royal Order of Scotland, Clan Davidson, and the Legion of 
Honor. He received the Hiram award in 2001. He developed a 
program about the flags of the United States and presented his 
"Flag Program" to about 10,000 Idaho school children and 
several thousand adults of various citizen groups. He was 
honored in the Idaho Statesman as Idaho's Flag Man. His parents, 
brothers Daryl and Keith, and his beloved wife preceded him in 
death. Don is survived by sons Dean (Kathy) Jones, Boise; Glenn 
(Taki) Jones, Boise; and Gary (Penny) Jones, Payette; and 
grandchildren Zachary, Airielle, Michael, Ali, and Van. The family 
extends our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Plantation 
Place where Don resided. There will be a memorial service at 
Summers Funeral Home, 1205 W. Bannock Street, Boise on 
Friday, February 5, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers the 
family suggests donations to any Shriners Hospital for Children.

Published in Idaho Statesman on February 3, 2010