Roger Darrell Jones January 23, 1950 ~ September 7, 2024 (age 74)

     Graveside services for Roger D. Jones, 74, of Portales will be held at 2:00 PM, Fri., Sept. 13, 2024 in the Portales Cemetery with Pastor Brian Tabor officiating.  Jimmy White, Scotty Beevers, Hugh Frank, Larry Shearer, Vernon Walker, Mason Mapp, Cody Small and Mark Balko will serve as pallbearers.  Doug Frank, Bill Walker, and Mike Stratton along with his Arch Baptist Church family and his many friends will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Roger Darrell Jones was born to George L. and Lucretia Jones in Lily, Kentucky January 23, 1950 and passed from this life into the arms of our Lord September 7, 2024

The family moved many times and through several states until settling in Portales in 1963. Roger graduated from Portales high School in 1968, then served with pride in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise as a machinist. After returning home, he found work as a mechanic, service station operator, trucker, and other related jobs. No matter what his work involved, Roger exhibited dedication, enthusiasm and pride.

In the late 70’s and early 80’s he farmed in the Arch area and later was employed at Poynor’s Home and Auto Store, where he served customers with enthusiasm until the store’s closure.  His knowledge and experience with auto parts led him to last place of employment, C & S, Inc., retiring in 2016, finally having time to work on “project” cars.

Roger enjoyed sports of all kind. When his nieces and nephews were young, he coached their basketball teams and supported all their endeavors.  He looked forward to participating in church softball games each summer and experienced great joy chasing golf balls and bowling pins with friends.

He loved all things outdoors, fishing, camping, boating and loved all animals especially his big silly dogs.  His humor was always present and came through as he remembered everybody’s birthdays with ridiculous cards.

In recent years, when he was unable to do physical tasks, he took pride in cooking and trying new recipes.  Roger was known for his chocolate crème pies and banana bread which he shared with folks all over town.

Roger was a beloved son, brother, and uncle.  He was a humble man of simple needs for himself with a heart of service and love for others.

Roger turned his life over to Christ many years ago and tried to live accordingly.  He often spoke of his Mother and Dad and how grateful he was for the values they instilled in him.  Roger wanted to give from his heart to anyone needing help and show others that life is good and to be thankful for each day given by God.

Survivors include his sister, Janice Bales, nieces, Deanna Bales White & husband Jimmy of McLoud, OK, Julienne Bales Beevers of Portales, Nicole Bales Frank of Laurel Run, PA, nephews, Wesley E. Bales & wife Kelly of Defiance, OH, Aaron Bales of Portales and his longtime best friend Vivian Coddington.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law Wesley W. Bales.

In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Roger, consider donation to charity of choice or pass on acts of kindness when opportunities arise.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roger Darrell Jones, please visit our floral store.