Longtime Elma resident Hurl Jones died at his home there Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016. He was 78. Hurl was born in Hammond, Okla., on April 3, 1938, the son of James and Grace (Stanley) Jones. The family moved to Raymond, Wash. when Hurl was 5 years old. He attended schools in Raymond and then joined the Navy, serving from 1955-58.

He started working in shake mills and continued on that career until working as a shake and shingle mill inspector. He would open his own company, American Certified Shake and Shingle Inspection Bureau, of which he was still operating at the time of his death.

Hurl is survived by a daughter: Melanie Lindley, Elma; four sons: Dan Jones, Gaston, Ore., David Jones, Florence, Ore., Tim Jones and Mike Smith; a sister: Genevieve Freeto, Toledo, Wash.; and several grandchildren. He is also survived by his former wife and close friend, Terry Jones.

It was his desire that no formal services be held.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Union Gospel Mission, 405 E. Heron St., Aberdeen, WA 98520

A card of condolence with a memory or a message may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.