On the morning of Saturday the 13th of September, the sun was shining bright and the sky was clear as family and friends gathered to remember and honor their beloved Dale Jones, Culver City’s longest standing City Manager, who passed away on August 25, 2014. The memorial was held in the courtyard of the Culver City City Hall with more than 250 people in attendance.
Emotion filled the air as the Culver City Police Department honor guard lowered the flags to halfmast with Lisa Anders playing “God Bless America” on the violin. Pastor Kurt Dahlin of Breakwater church in Redondo Beach shared a comforting reflection on life, death and the hope of heaven to come. Loving letters to Dale were read by his granddaughter Eden Jones and many friends and former co-workers took to the mic to share fond memories and honorable words about this great man.
Throughout the service, several of Dale’s grandchildren and their friends performed songs to touch the hearts of all those present. The service came to a moving end as the
United States Marine Corp Honor Guard ceremoniously presented the U.S. flag to Eleanor Jones, Dale’s widow, and to Colleen Jones, his eldest child, to the sound of Taps and Amazing Grace. Well, almost to an end… For the love and memory of Dale and one of his favorite pastimes, the family asked everyone to stand to do one last dance with Dale to Creedence Clearwater’s “Travelin’ Band.”
The dancing lifted the sorrow and brought a joy of celebration for this amazing man’s life. All remained for several hours eating, reminiscing, and looking over the many photo collages depicting Dale’s lifetime. The family felt much comfort from the support of all who attended and were thankful to be able to honor Dale with this celebration of his life, that special dash between 1931 and 2014. The Jones clan would like to thank all who came to share this special day and those who worked so hard to make this occasion memorable.
