Theodore Harry (Ted) Fones died on the afternoon of July 16, 2016 at his Green Valley home with his loving family at his side.

Ted was born April 9, 1922 in Harvey, Illinois, the oldest child of Myrtle Dornhecker Fones and Theodore J. Fones.   While living in the Chicago area, Ted met the love of his life, Melba Mae Simpson. They began school in the same first-grade class and later attended high school together. They married on Feb. 5, 1944 in Hondo, Texas; while Ted was learning how to be a gunner, bomber and navigator in the U. S. Army Air Corps. They honeymooned in San Antonio and were married for just eight days short of 72 years.

After graduating from high school Ted worked in a factory where he learned to appreciate the work of mechanical engineers from his father.  During WWII , Ted was a navigator on B25s stationed in the Pacific. After the war, the couple settled near Peoria, IL and raised their family where Ted enjoyed playing cards, board games and sports his children were interested in, while participating  in  bowling and golf leagues, the dance a month club as well as becoming a masters duplicate bridge player.

Ted retired after a career of 34 years with Caterpillar Tractor Company as Director o research and eventually to Green Valley, Arizona more than 30 years ago to enjoy year-round golf.  Since they had always enjoyed dancing together, he and Melba began square dancing with the Green Valley Square Dancers, and Ted continued to pursue his interest in bridge. They were also blessed to be able to travel and watch their four grandchildren grow up.

Ted always had a kind word for everyone, seemed to know what to say to make others feel comfortable, had a great sense of humor and was frequently reminded of a joke or humorous story that seemed to fit the place and circumstances.   He was inspirational.

Ted was a devoted husband and loving father who will be deeply missed. He is survived by his three children: sons David (Susie) of Seymour, IL and Father Michael O.P. of Los Angeles, as well as his daughter Barbara (Thomas) Logelin of Green Valley. His four grandchildren also survive him: Carolyn in Sausalito, CA, who was born on Melba's birthday; Jeffrey (Emily) in  Santa Cruz, CA; Jordan (Sarah) in Chicago; and Ryan of Indianapolis. In addition he is survived by his younger brother Ed Fones in OR.

A funeral Mass will be offered on a date to be determined at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, AZ.   Inurnment will be at St. Dominic's Cemetery in Benicia, CA