Herbert W. Jones, 87, of Mt. Vernon, WA, with his family at his side, left his earthly home on Friday, October 24, 2008 to rest in the arms of Jesus. He left behind many who love him dearly & will miss him greatly. Herbert was born on December 26, 1920 in Sedro-Woolley to Louis & Zelma Jones, and had many stories to tell of growing up in a small town during the depression years. He was baptized into Christ when he was 12 years old, and served the Lord for the remainder of his life. On June 9, 1943 he married Alma Payne, and was very proud to be her husband for 65 years. Together, they raised their daughters Sandy & Becky. Herbert once said that all he ever wanted was a family of his own; his desire to love & care for his family was evidenced in his daily life. Herbert began his employment years by working at Boeing prior to the war, leaving there to serve in the US Army Air Force from October of 1942 until the end of the war in 1945. He loved the woods & worked for 7 years in Darrington, building logging roads for Jones & Anderson Logging Co. He retired from Bendix Corporation in 1982, having worked there for 22 years. He was a carpenter, and generously shared his ability, spending many hours using his skill to help others. He was proud to have been instrumental in the construction of 2 church buildings, in Burlington & Ferndale. Herbert & Alma worshipped with the Church of Christ in Burlington, Ferndale & most recently in Mt. Vernon. He served as an Elder at one time, and in any other way that he was asked. He loved fishing in Alaska, camping with his family, took enjoyment in gardening, and in making hotcakes, root beer floats and ice cream cones for his grandchildren. Herbert was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, Lloyd Harmon and his sisters, Marie Spurling & Marguerite Davis of Sedro-Woolley. He looked forward to meeting his earthly father in heaven, who died when Herbert was just 3 months old. Herbert is survived by his wife Alma, his daughter, Sandy Renfro of Sumas & his daughter & son-in-law, Becky & Joe Williamson of Burlington, as well as his brother & sister-in-law, Marvin & Doris Harmon of Ellensburg, WA. He also leaves 9 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him greatly. Herbert suffered the ravages of Alzheimer's disease & was lovingly cared for in the last few months of his life by the staff of Home Place in Burlington – his family thanks them deeply. Alma asks that in lieu of flowers, if you wish to remember Herbert in a memorial, that you would consider donating to Alzheimer; & Aging Research Center (800) 877-0019/www.aging-research.org or Skagit County Hospice. Herbert was a kind and loving man who is loved dearly. Viewing will be available to those who wish on October 29th from 9 am - 6:30 pm and on October 30th from 9 am - 5 pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. A memorial service for family & friends will be held at the Skagit Valley Church of Christ, 215 So. Gardner Rd. in Burlington, WA at 2:00 pm on Saturday, November 1st, 2008.