Robert Gearld

Jones

Robert Gearld “Bob” Jones was born on June 11, 1937, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to Thomas Gearld Jones and Norma Grace (Jenkins) Jones.

He and his parents moved to Wickenburg, Arizona when he was in high school. It was there, he met Carol. Wanting to pursue college, he joined the Navy in 1955, directly out of high school to take advantage of the Korean War GI Bill. He married Carol Phillips in Wickenburg in 1957.

They had two sons, Robert Gearld Jr. (Pam) and Michael Kevin (Penny). Their 6 grandchildren are Angie, Andrea, Jeffrey, Michael, Nicole and Jonathan. Great grandchildren (14) are Brylee, Haylee, Kynzlee, Brooklynn, Riley, Boston, Romee, Madison, Tyler, Hudson, Paije, Evelyn, Olivia and Ava. One great-great grandchild Layton.

He was sworn into the Navy on June 1, 1955, eleven days before his 18th birthday. Early in his military career Bob’s work included various medical clinical assignments, including a position as corpsman for the US Marines, Camp Pendelton. He steadily advanced through the enlisted ranks before earning a commission as a Naval MSC (Medical Service Corps) Officer. He pursued higher education at numerous colleges and universities, often attending evening classes while fulfilling the demands of full-time military service. His determination earned him multiple degrees that contributed to his military success.

His Naval career included 23 duty stations across the US, most notably Twenty-Nine Palms, Camp Pendelton, San Diego, Long Beach, Lemoore, Washington DC, Hawaii, and Bremerton. In 1995, he retired from the Navy, as a Commander, in Bremerton. Following his military retirement, he continued his public service as Superintendent of the Washington Veterans Home-Retsil in Port Orchard.

In recognition of his military service, he was honored to participate in the Puget Sound Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where he visited military memorials alongside other Puget Sound Veterans.

Throughout his life, Bob remained devoted to his faith, serving in numerous church callings. His beliefs shaped his character, values, and guiding principles. He cherished the promise of families and being reunited with loved ones.

Bob and Carol shared a passion for bowling, traveling the world, often accompanied by dear friends and family. Their adventures took them to remarkable destinations, including the Great Wall of China, African safaris, Australia, and Polynesian islands. For Bob, the joy of travel was as much about the people he shared it with.

After 56 years together, Carol preceded Bob in death in 2013. Bob married Oddny Bradley, and together they continued his love of worldwide travel and adventure with family and friends. Bob and Oddny shared 13 years together before her passing on September 29, 2026. Bob will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.