Richard Later
1922-2009
Richard “Dick” Later of Dillon died Dec. 3, 2009.
He was born at Rigby, Idaho, on April 11, 1922, the first born to Harlan and Leonore Later. Dick graduated from high school and in 1940 joined the National Guard, and was active for four years of military service. He was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds he received in action at Putlan, Luzon, the Philippines, on March 15, 1945.
At the end of World War II he went to San Antonio, Texas, to attend watch-making school. There he met and fell in love with Essie Whatley, a cute southern young lady. They married in San Antonio on Feb. 21, 1948.
After graduation Dick and Essie moved to Dillon after a friend had mentioned a partnership with him at his jewelry store in Dillon. After one year, Dick bought out his friend and started a longtime business, Later’s Jewelry.
In 1957, he ran for justice of the peace and proudly served for 33 years. In their retirement years, Dick and Essie were led to warmer weather so they could continue golfing and enjoying themselves. They finally settled in Yuma, Ariz., for the winter months and made many friends. Dick was a 60-year member of the Dillon Elk’s Lodge 1554 and the American Legion, charter member of the Dillon Jaycees and on the Board of Directors, and past president, of the Beaverhead Golf Course.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Joel and brother-in-law LaMar Widerburg. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Essie; children Rick (Cooky) Later and Pam (Ron) Nielsen of Dillon; five grandchildren, Jeff Later, Julie Nielsen, Lori Escalera, Amanda Phillips and Daniel Nielsen; 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jack (Leona) Later; a sister, Molly Widerburg; sister-in-law Elaine Later, a dear friend David (Claudia) Harvey and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Tuesday morning at Brundage Funeral Home, followed by graveside military honors at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Beaverhead Ambulance, Elk’s Lodge No.1554 or a charity of the giver’s choice. A guest book is available on line at www.brundagefuneralhome.com.
Lester Jones
1952-2009
Dillon native Lester LaVon Jones, of Minnetonka, Minn., died peacefully at his home on Dec. 6, 2009 due to health complications.
Services will be held in Dillon at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 10 a.m. Dec. 12, 2009. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects Friday, Dec. 11, at Brundage Funeral Home, 7-9 p.m. and one hour prior to the services on Saturday.
LaVon was born Sept. 29, 1952; in Dillon. His early years were spent on the ranch riding his beloved horse, Buttons. The love of ranch life continued to grow as he took a more active role in daily operations.
At a very early age, he exhibited a natural talent for sports and continued through High School. He attended elementary, junior high and high school in Dillon.
In 1970, at age 17, he was critically injured in an automobile accident, permanently confining him to a wheelchair. Despite his debilitating injuries, he graduated with his class in 1971. After graduating, he attended the University of Utah studying communications.
In 1980, he moved to Minnetonka, continuing his studies in handicap legal law, and teaching classes for the Community Education Program. While in Minnesota, he earned his real estate and broker license, and worked for Financial Network Incorporated of Edina, Minn., for many years, until health complications limited his activities.
He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
He is survived by; his father, Lester C. Jones of Kevin, Mont.; His mother, Annie Jones of Orem, Utah; sisters Sherri Jones Weaver of Vernal, Utah, and Cynthia Jones Thayne of Highland, Utah; brother Kendal C. Jones of Plano, Texas; 19 nieces and nephews; and 11 grandnieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by two infant brothers, Kelly C. Jones and Stacy Kim Jones; grandparents, Lester T. Jones and Lillith Jones Tuck, and William M. Price and Ann Price.
LaVon will always be remembered for his winning smile, indomitable spirit and his fierce courage in the face of adversity.
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