Glenn Orvie Jones

Glenn Orvie Jones was born in Rapid City, SD on November 3, 1922 to Elmer and Lillie Jones. When he was growing up, the family ranched near Owanka and New Underwood. Glenn graduated from Owanka High School, then signed up with the Navy to be schooled as a diesel engine mechanic. When his training was completed, he served on the USS Wachapreague which was deployed for maintenance of PT boats in the South Pacific during WWII.

After returning from the war, Glenn married Lillian Johnson. They initially ranched near New Underwood, then in 1949, they bought a ranch near White Owl. Ranching was what Glenn liked to do most. He tried to keep up on good ranch techniques and ways to improve his herd. His efforts were successful, as one year two steers from his herd won grand champion and reserve champion when shown by his daughters at the 4-H livestock show. Like many ranchers, he trained his horses and dogs to help with working the cows, and repaired his own machinery, until computerized equipment came along. Glenn was a skilled farrier, putting shoes on his working horses when their hooves were smoothed by the dry ground, or putting on cleated shoes for winter ice. He was an accomplished welder, making many innovative and useful creations out of pieces of scrap metal. From a bicycle, he made a rolling cart for Lillian’s garden plant starts. He made a lot of gate latch variations, because his horse, Barney, kept learning to open them. He also was good at woodworking (when he had time) as evidenced by the kitchen cabinets he made for Lillian, picture frames, etc.

  Glenn liked all kinds of animals. Many times, we had birds in the house that were rescued from water tanks or magpies hanging around the back door. There were gophers in cages, a fox that slept on the couch, and horned toads that slept in our hands. He taught his children varied skills, such as working with cattle, creating handicrafts, and practical ranching skills.

In later years, Glenn cared for Lillian during her struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Then, with help from many people, he continued to ranch until he was 90 plus. He moved to an assisted care center for a couple of years, and then to the Phillip Nursing Home, where he passed away at the age of 98 on December 8, 2020.

Glenn was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lillian; and his sister, Fern.  

He is survived by his son, Robert (Sharon) Jones; daughters, Linda (Larry) Graham, Barbara Denton, and Judy (Jim) Patterson; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Committal services were held Monday, December 14, 2020 at Black Hills National Cemetery with military honors.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.