Obituary of Eugene T. Jones

In memory of Eugene Thomas Jones of Cortland, New York. Gene passed away on Thursday, July 13th, 2017 at Cortland Regional Hospital Medical Center. Gene is the son of Carl and Jane Edlund of Cortlandville, NY.

Gene was born April 7th, 1948. He graduated from Homer Central High School in 1966. In High School he was known for dancing with Mr. Berg’s modern dance ensemble, and was very active in both the school’s golf and ski clubs. After high school, he earned a bachelor’s degree from Elmhurst College, near Chicago. Gene began his professional career as Cortland County Planner. After several years he left for a planning position with the State of Arizona. He later returned with his family and worked for John McNeil’s Civil Engineering and Surveying Firm. From there he moved to Oregon, then to Wellesley Island Park. He also lived for 6 years on a boat in a marina on the big island of Hawaii, before returning to Cortland.

Eugene is survived by his two daughters Elizabeth (Chris) Leatham and Sarah Jones, and a granddaughter Lucy Leatham. He is also survived by his parents Carl and Jane Edlund, his sisters Carla (Lane) Walsh and Lydia (Dan Bock) Edlund and his brother Eric (Nancy) Edlund. His family includes many nieces and nephews; Pierce (Jenny) Walsh, Briony Walsh, Megan (Andrew) Boone, Onolee (Bryan) Stephan, Ashley (Stuart) Chescheir and Nash (Heather) Bock. Also surviving Gene are great nieces and nephews Owl, Raven and Kestrel Walsh, Quinn and Cole Boone and Elizabeth Bock.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday at Wright-Beard Funeral Home, 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland. Burial to follow at the Cortland Rural Cemetery. Following the graveside service, everyone is invited to a celebration of life at the Homer Congregational Church at 2:30 pm.

Gene loved Hawaii and spent many happy years sailing the area. To help keep Hawaii beautiful in his honor, we ask you to please consider donating to the Hawaii Wildlife Fund in lieu of flowers. Your contribution will help protect Hawai'i’s fragile marine ecosystem, support scientific research, and fund environmental educational programs. Their efforts include coral reef conservation, safeguarding of sea turtle habitats, and outreach activities that engage with local communities to bolster sustainable practices.  

The Hawaii Wildlife Fund

http://www.wildhawaii.org/donate.html