Gary Eldon Jones

June 5, 1940 - April 13, 2020

Gary E. Jones, 79, of Central City, died April 13, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. Memorial Services will be held at a later date. Memorials have been suggested to the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.soltwagnerfuneral.com. Gary was born June 5, 1940 to Wilbur and Clover (Fowler) Jones at the family farm near Hordville, NE. He attended Central City High School and graduated in 1958. In December of the same year Gary joined the United States Air Force. On March 13, 1960 he was united in marriage to Sharon K. Howe in Hordville. The couple lived in Roswell, NM until Gary’s discharge from the Air Force in 1961, at which time they moved to Lincoln where Gary attended the Lincoln Barber College. They then made their home in Central City where Gary worked as a Barber until moving to Loveland, CO in 1971, where he attended the Colorado Law Enforcement Academy. He then moved his family to Clay Center, where he attended the Nebraska Law Enforcement Academy in 1978. He was then elected the Clay County Sherriff until 1986. Gary retired from law enforcement and they returned to Central City where continued his trade as a Barber, operating Gary’s Barber Shop for over 40 years. Gary was a member of the First Baptist Church, Clay Center and Central City Volunteer Fire Departments, the Nebraska Sheriffs Association, Clay County Civil Defense, and American Legion Post #6. He was a Hunters Safety Instructor, EMT, past Central City councilman and was a part of the Scuba Diver Life Saving Team. Gary enjoyed the outdoors and spent his time hunting, fishing, playing golf, and camping. He also enjoyed his dogs, bowling and woodworking. Gary had a great sense of humor that will be missed by many. His greatest love was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those left to cherish his memory, are his wife of 60 years, Sharon of Central City; daughters, Lisa Dickinson-Welsh, and Lani (Stacey) Sawyers all of Central City; grandchildren, Amanda (Cephas) Catraye of Omaha, Joshua (LeAndra) Dickinson of Hallam, and Jeremiah Dickinson of Lincoln; step-granddaughter, Brooke Sawyers of Lincoln; two great-grandchildren; his sister, Karen (Bruce) Jensen of Montrose, CO, and sister-in-law, Linda Jones of Central City. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and his brother, Gerald.