TOM JONES  (12/14/34--6/12/24)

Tom Jones saddled his horse and rode over the “divide” at the ranch on his beloved Dead Horse Creek, on June 12, 2024, where he lived for 79 years.

Born to homesteading parents, Harry & Dorothy, on December 14, 1934, he was the last original settler on the Creek.  Wearing his signature red suspenders, riding anything that had hair on it, he ran wild horses in the Breaks with his Dad, caught rabbits for a hunting ground in Wisconsin, hunted bobcats with his track hounds, pulled sheep out of bogs, and with his Dad built every mile of fence on the ranch.  In later years, he ran Longhorn cattle and enjoyed the many friendships he made with other producers.

He raised 17 wayward young men who would have been in jail or prison.  Without much money, he fed them sourdough pancakes, venison, and bread and gravy.  He taught them the Code of the West, which he lived by until the day he died.  Some of those men are here today.

Tom was very active in the Johnson County Farm Bureau, a lifetime member of the Wyoming Farm Bureau, and together with Helen, was awarded the 2007 Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award.  He was a Charter member of the Wyoming Longhorn Association, a Lifetime NRA member, and served over 20 years on the Johnson County Predator Board doing whatever he could to annihilate the coyotes he hated so much.

Tom loved kids and helping them rope and catch at brandings.  His specialty, “Sit up straight and throw your rope hard!”  The result, a thumbs up!  His favorite saying was “You ride him and I’ll whip ‘em”.

The bugle of a bull elk on a frosty October morning, a new fresh snow to run bobcats, and a new spotted Longhorn calf were among his favorite things.

His motto: The family that hunts together stays together!  He considered his longtime friend, Bill Jenkins, part of this family.  Bill originally came to hunt 43 years ago.

Tom was always up for a story, good joke, or a laugh with a twinkle in his eye.  He loved kisses from ladies and telling of the experiences in 1949 with Dolly Iberlin as his teacher.

Tom is survived by Helen, his wife of 34 years.  His sister Martha (and her sons Tom & Bill).  His children:  John (Tracey), Butch (Ronda), Joyce (Craig), Dolly (Bob), Cody (Tynie), Chuck (Sandi).  Numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a great great grandchild also complete his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter (Cori), and a granddaughter (Bridgette).

A public viewing with a celebration of life for Tom will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Johnson County Fairgrounds, Exhibit Hall with Joan Smith officiating. A reception will take place immediately after the service. A private family interment will be held at the ranch at a later date. Honorary pallbearers are his many friends.

Memorial Contributions in Tom’s name may be made to: Bighorn Bluegrass Camp, c/o Karen Blaney, 950 N. Main St., Buffalo, WY 82834 and/or Kalif Shrine, P.O. Box K, Sheridan, WY 82801. Champion Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.

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