House Engrossed

State of Arizona House of Representatives Fifty-third Legislature Second Regular Session 2018

HOUSE RESOLUTION 2004

 

A RESOLUTION

 

on the death of leroy "beno" jones.

 

 

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

 

LeRoy "Beno" Jones died on January 17, 2018 at his home in Globe at the age of 90.  The epitome of a cowboy, he leaves behind a legacy of service, hard work and many loving family members and friends.

Born October 8, 1927 in Miami, Arizona to Claudie Leroy Scarlett and Roland M. Jones, Beno, with his sister, Doris, and brother, Elton, grew up on the family ranch where honest hard work was the rule.  He graduated Miami High School in 1945 under the shadow of World War II and elected to go into the United States Navy, serving as a Seaman First Class and earning the World War II Victory Medal.

Beno attended Northern Arizona University for a short time, but ranching had its hold and he returned to his roots.  He married Beverly Franco in 1949 and they had a son, Gary. Beno continued ranching after the couple divorced, and Beverly and Gary moved to California.

Beno operated the RJ Ranch, which also included the VF Bar Ranch near Russell Gulch.  He married Leona McKee and worked for the United States Forest Service while continuing to run the RJ Ranch.  He and Leona traveled extensively with friends since Beno enjoyed expanding his horizons and seeing new places.

Beno and Leona sold their ranch and moved to Denison, Texas where they opened a furniture store.  Eventually ranching again called and they moved across the Red River to Oklahoma, eventually building a home on 320 acres where he enjoyed what he loved most—dabbling with his cattle and many pets.

Although Beno and Leona returned home for the Miami High School multiyear reunions, a long retirement together was not to be as Leona died not long into their retirement.  On a visit home, he reestablished ties with a high school friend, Dean Flaiz, and they married soon after.  They also enjoyed traveling, spending time in England and Ireland and taking many trips throughout the Southern states.  After only five short years, Beno lost Dean to cancer.  Beno packed up, sold his beloved cows and property, and moved back to Globe-Miami in 2000.

Beno was fortunate to reconnect with his childhood friend, Peggy Smart, who became his loving companion to the end. As age slowed him down, he enjoyed visiting with long‑time roping and ranching friends.  Almost daily Beno could be found revisiting the works of his favorite Western authors.  He was a long-time member of the Gila County Cattle Growers Association and the Elks Club. An honorable gentleman, a once‑in‑a‑lifetime friend, Beno was always available to help someone in need.

Beno will long be remembered as a cowboy with a genuine smile and dapper appearance.  He is survived by his loving companion, Peggy Smart, son, Gary (Teresa), grandson, Michael (Kelly), great-grandson, Nicholas, and nieces Cheryl and Claudia.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Doris, and her daughter, Marsha, brother, Elton, and grandson, Jeremy.

Therefore

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives of the State of Arizona:

That the Members of the House of Representatives express regret at the passing of LeRoy "Beno" Jones and extend their condolences to his surviving family members.