Heber Warren Jones

Heber Warren Jones passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026 in Payson, Utah, aged 84. He was born on February 21, 1942 in Magrath, Alberta, Canada, the son of Warren and Nonavee Jones. He married Elizabeth Ann Merrill on April 16, 1965 in the Logan, Utah Temple and they shared 60 years together, raising eight children.

Heber earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in mathematics in 1966 from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. After teaching math, science and French for three years in Glenwood and Peace River, Alberta, Canada he obtained a Master of Science degree in computer science in 1973 from the University of Calgary. Heber worked at the University of Calgary in the Faculty of Education for 32 years, where he was part of the first pioneering generation of computer technologists when one computer filled a room. He created the first computer network at the University of Calgary, stayed on top of new technologies, devices, and programs as they evolved. He wrote programs used for educational and disability access purposes. Heber loved his work. He said it was like playing with his toys and getting paid for it. He retired from the university in 2003 and joined his wife Ann in her math tutoring business for seven more years.

Heber’s lifestyle at home was also innovative. In 1972 he bought a 1913 home, “a fixer-upper” and renovated it. It has since been designated a Calgary Heritage Home. He was a great gardener, converting all available land in his yard into a productive food garden. Everyone in the family helped grow, harvest and preserve food. This both saved money and provided great team bonding and work habits for his family as they were growing up. His home was known locally as “The Jones Farm.” He helped Ann make bread from wheat he ground, made fudge, taffy, chocolates, root beer and ice cream.

Heber loved hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountains and canoeing down the beautiful Bow River. He served for 30 years as a Canadian Boy Scout leader in various capacities, teaching young men resilience, survival skills and sharing his love and respect for nature.

Heber loved taking the family camping all around Alberta, across Canada and into the States. Later he modified a 12 passenger van with a deck for the family to sleep on. Camping and traveling created wonderful experiences for his children as they were growing up.

He was known for his “out of the box” solutions, his sharp wit, dry sense of humor and home-spun wisdom. He loved tinkering in the garage and devoting time teaching his children many skills, using tools, tying knots, changing the tires or fixing the car and helping with school projects.

A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Heber served a mission in the French East Mission from 1961 to 1964. He loved France and would sing French songs to his children and read French stories. He figured out how to make real French bread. His lifelong commitment to faith and service included many years as a ward or financial clerk in most of the places he lived. He was always a faithful Home Teacher. From 2012 to 2013, Heber and Ann served together in the Family and Church History Mission in Salt Lake City, Utah. Additionally, he managed the computers for the Family History Library of the Calgary West Stake for nine years.

When retirement finally allowed him the time, he enjoyed learning to turn wood on a lathe in his workshop. He made a wooden step stool for each of his children, patterned after the one his mother had and completed fun projects with his grandchildren. When Ann’s health began to fail, he faithfully attended to her needs for over two decades.

In 2018 he and Ann moved to Utah, first to Salt Lake City, living with their son, Colin and then to Payson to live in Orchard View Assisted Living near their daughter, Wendy.

He is survived by his wife, Ann, their children Sabynthe Jones, Glenn Jones, Allan Jones, Wendy Taylor, Colin Jones, Nonavee Dale, Ryan Jones, and Mark Jones, his sister Jennifer Meldrum, 29 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Nonavee Jones and siblings, Marcia Tagg, Eileen Jones, and Wayne Jones.

We especially want to thank the staff at Orchard View Assisted Living for the loving care they provided and especially Kelly Powell, RN, for lovingly helping us along this path, step by step.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, March 14 at 11 AM in the Latter-day Saint Chapel at 1080 South 930 West, Payson, Utah. There will be a viewing for friends and family from 9:30 to 10:30 prior to the funeral. He will be buried in the Payson City Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.