Clarence S. 'Pinky' Jones, 86

Clarence S. “Pinky” Jones, 86, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2011, at his residence in Kalispell, after a five-month struggle with cancer.

Clarence Seaborn Jones was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Florence, Colo., son of Clarence J. and Clara (Morgan) Jones.

Pinky's younger years were spent with his family in Midwest Wyoming. In 1940 Pinky moved to Hardin.  He graduated early in the spring of 1942 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served aboard the U.S.S. Reno. After the service, he returned to Hardin and became a Bighorn County sheriff's deputy. In December 1948, he married a beautiful young nurse, Marilyn Jean Bair, and they were together the next 62 years. In 1972, the couple purchased the Imperial 400 Motel in Bozeman, which they operated until they retired in 1987. After several years of retirement, they moved to Kalispell, in order to be closer to family.

Pinky enjoyed goose hunting, fly fishing and golfing, and was outstanding at bowling. Pinky was a Master Mason, Shriner and served many years on the DeMolay board in Hardin. Pinky was a charter member of the Hardin Elks Club.

Pinky is preceded in death by his parents; and older sister, Margaret. 

Pinky is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Marilyn; three sons, Lyle of Salt Lake City, Thomas “TJ,” and Jerry; grandson, Cody; and two great-grandchildren, Clara and Joel; all of Kalispell. Salt Lake family includes John and Michael Fritch and their families.

Pinky will be remembered by all who knew him as a hardworking, fun-loving man who was ready to lend a hand to any and all. His family will remember him as a loving husband and father. Memorials can be made in Pinky’s name to Fisher House Foundation (www.fisherhouse.org) for families of veterans receiving rehabilitation, or an organization of your choice. 

A memorial service for Pinky will take place at 1:30 p.m., Jan. 15, at the Two Leggins Bridge area, 6 miles south of Hardin. A reception will follow at Hart's, located at 416 Custer Ave.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Pinky’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Pinky’s guest book, offer condolences and share memories.