Laryrn Richard Jones

Laryrn Richard Jones 

September 3, 1957 – July 18, 2025 

Husband – Father – Son – Brother – Mentor – Friend 

Our beloved Laryrn Richard Jones—known affectionately to many as simply “Jones”—passed away peacefully on July 18, 2025, at the age of 67, in his home in North Logan, Utah. He left this life surrounded by the love of his two sons and was welcomed on the other side by long-awaited embraces from his cherished wife and daughters. Lary was born on September 3, 1957, in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and was raised by the close-knit and loving Fields side of his family. His upbringing was shaped profoundly by two remarkable women: his Aunt Jean and Grandma Hulda. From them, he learned the values that would become the foundation of his character—honesty, hard work, sincerity, and unwavering authenticity. They taught him that every person deserves respect, that family—both born and chosen—comes first, and, perhaps most memorably, that “if you can’t fix ‘em, feed ‘em.” 

Though parts of Lary’s early life were marked by hardship and the kind of pain no child should endure, he carried those experiences with quiet strength and a fierce determination to break the cycle. Rather than allowing the darkness of the past to define him, he used it as a compass—choosing love, gentleness, and presence in every part of his own family life. He became the kind of father, husband, and mentor he never had, vowing to lead with kindness, protect with conviction, and offer the safety he once longed for. In doing so, he transformed generational pain into a legacy of healing. 

Lary’s childhood was filled with exploration, adventure, and strong bonds with cousins and friends. Whether he was out in the woods for hours (or days) or sharing stories around a fire, he made memories that lasted a lifetime. His early education began in grade school and continued through his graduation from Chambersburg Area Senior High School in 1975. He went on to attend Rick’s College in Rexburg, Idaho, and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Southern Utah University—an academic path that would lead him to his lifelong calling as a teacher. It was during his time at Rick’s College that Lary met the love of his life, Patricia “Patty” Jones. He would often recall the first time he saw her—on a crisp autumn day, wearing bellbottom jeans, heeled boots, and a fur-collared coat, her blue eyes sparkling and her long auburn hair glowing in the sun. It was love at first sight. Their friendship blossomed through a horseback riding class (that Lary conveniently joined), and after two years as best friends, they were engaged—only going on their first official date after their engagement, to a Neil Diamond concert. They were married on September 12, 1981, in the St. George, Utah Temple, beginning a life together rooted in love, laughter, and shared faith. 

Lary and Patty built a beautiful family. They welcomed their first daughter, Carri, on June 18, 1982 (Chambersburg, PA), followed by their second daughter, Kali, on February 22, 1985 (Chambersburg, PA). Their son Sean arrived on July 31, 1988 (Cedar City, UT), and their youngest, Ty, was born on October 17, 1993 (Logan, UT). 

One of Lary’s greatest joys later in life was becoming “Papa” in September 2016. He delighted in spending time with his granddaughters, Ellie and Austyn—especially lunchtime outings and special moments filled with laughter and love.

 Lary’s life was defined by deep and enduring friendships. From his childhood in Pennsylvania to his college years in Idaho, he formed lifelong bonds—especially with David “Buford” Denton, who became his best man and one of his dearest friends.

 A gifted and passionate educator, Lary dedicated 31 years to teaching math at Roy Junior High School in Weber County. It is estimated that he drove nearly 585,000 miles and spent 440 days in his car over his career—but he never once wavered in his commitment to his students. More than just equations and formulas, Lary taught life lessons. His students will remember his annual lesson, “We are all tools in God’s toolbox,” his “Thought of the Day” board, and mottos like “The 3 Great Truths of Life” and “The 4 Great Lies of Life.” He impacted more than 26,000 students during his tenure and raised over $31,000 to support his classroom through “Box Tops for Education”.

 A devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Lary served a full-time mission in San Diego, California. He later taught Sunday School in his North Logan ward, led Home Evening groups at Rick’s College, and shared his talents (and Dutch oven cooking) at youth camps.

Lary’s hands were rarely idle. He delighted in creating handmade leather goods—wallets, belts, checkbooks, horse tack—and jewelry for his loved ones. After retirement, he turned to creating afghans for some of his favorite people. Of all his hobbies, though, his favorite was making Patty smile. 

Lary will be remembered for his humor, his wisdom, and most of all, for the way he made every person feel like the most important person in the world. His love was selfless and profound. He was the kind of man whose legacy lives not only in his family, but in the thousands of lives he touched. 

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patty; his daughters, Carri and Kali; and his treasured Aunt Jean. He is survived by his sons, Sean (Megan) and Ty; his granddaughters, Ellie and Austyn; his sisters Wenda (Steve) Martin and Jeanette (Eric) Layton; and an extended family of students, cousins, friends, and colleagues who will carry his spirit forward.

Lary believed deeply in the goodness of others and lived his life lifting those around him. So if you ever forget, let his legacy remind you: You are enough. You matter. You’ve got this. [fatoldmanhug] 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2750 N 800 E, North Logan, UT 84341 - Services begin at 12:00 pm, followed by socializing and light refreshments until 3:00 pm. There will be a Zoom link available for those who wish to join virtually, shared on social media by his family. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your favorite charity or taking your family out for Frostys from Wendy’s—just the way Lary would’ve wanted.