Obituary for Trent Jones
Copeland “Trent” Jones
June 21, 1938 - July 2, 2021
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St, Bakersfield CA for Copeland “Trent” Jones, who passed into heaven on July 2, 2021.
Trent was born to parents Cecil Thomas Jones and Marion Alicia Jones. A Bakersfield native, he attended Emerson Elementary School, Bakersfield High School, and Bakersfield Junior College. He then went on to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the Syracuse New York School of Air Conditioning. It was at the El Corral, a local gathering place in San Luis Obispo, that Trent met a very special lady, Elizabeth (Betty) Strom.
On June 29, 1963, Trent and Betty married at the First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo. They returned to Bakersfield where Trent joined the family business, Gundlach’s Air Conditioning & Plumbing. He later became president of Gundlach’s until 1995 when he turned the business over to his daughter Jennifer.
Trent was very active in the Bakersfield community, holding leadership roles in the Boy Scouts, DeMolay, Rotary Club of Bakersfield West, 20/30 Club, Cotillion, Bakersfield Racquet Club, Bakersfield High School Tennis Team, and also Stockdale Country Club, where he played golf and also bridge with both men’s and couples groups. He loved his bridge groups and became a pretty good player! He played right up until his passing.
He was also very involved with First Presbyterian Church. He deeply loved the Lord, and as he grew older, so did his faith. He developed a love for Jesus Christ and attributed his 36 years of sobriety to his walk in his Christian Faith. He held a number of leadership positions at First Presbyterian, including deacon, elder, and member of the Foundation Board.
Trent was also very active in AA programs. This work deepened his Christian faith and enabled him to help hundreds of people on their personal walks to sobriety. He felt this was his true calling in life. As a part of this calling, he and Betty started an “Overcomers Group,” a Christian-based meeting held every Monday night for more than 12 years.
And then there was his family - it was here that he found his greatest happiness, through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (the “greats” brought him such joy!) He was a Boy Scout, Indian Guide and Indian Princess Leader, which allowed him to share his love for the outdoors with his family through camping, fishing and hunting. Deer and dove hunting trips were one of life’s highlights, and it seemed like there was always a new gun to buy, some place … To add to the fun, Trent moved the family out to the Kern River and built a home. He also tried his hand at raising cattle, pigs, chicken, and chuckers. Life was never dull at the Jones’s.
Inheriting a love of travel from his parents, Trent took Betty on many wonderful trips including Europe, China, Norway, Mexico as well as visits to many state and national parks.
Trent is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth (Betty) Jones; his daughter Jennifer Starbuck (husband, the late Steven Starbuck) and son Chris Jones; Grandchildren Megan Starbuck Green (Colby), Anthony Starbuck, and Cianen Jones; Great Grandchildren Everett and Harrison Green. He is also survived by his sisters Gayle Laura Livanos and Maxine Alicia Dumler (husband John Dumler).
Trent lived a rich, full life, filled with love and admiration for his family and friends. He will be forever loved and missed by those who knew him. He now rests in peace!
The family wishes to thank the devoted staff at both Memorial Hospital 4th Floor, East Wing and Hoffman Hospice for their loving care of Trent in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hoffman Hospice.
“Well done, good and faithful servant! … Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:23).
June 21, 1938 - July 2, 2021
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 21 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 1705 17th St, Bakersfield CA for Copeland “Trent” Jones, who passed into heaven on July 2, 2021.
Trent was born to parents Cecil Thomas Jones and Marion Alicia Jones. A Bakersfield native, he attended Emerson Elementary School, Bakersfield High School, and Bakersfield Junior College. He then went on to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the Syracuse New York School of Air Conditioning. It was at the El Corral, a local gathering place in San Luis Obispo, that Trent met a very special lady, Elizabeth (Betty) Strom.
On June 29, 1963, Trent and Betty married at the First Presbyterian Church of San Luis Obispo. They returned to Bakersfield where Trent joined the family business, Gundlach’s Air Conditioning & Plumbing. He later became president of Gundlach’s until 1995 when he turned the business over to his daughter Jennifer.
Trent was very active in the Bakersfield community, holding leadership roles in the Boy Scouts, DeMolay, Rotary Club of Bakersfield West, 20/30 Club, Cotillion, Bakersfield Racquet Club, Bakersfield High School Tennis Team, and also Stockdale Country Club, where he played golf and also bridge with both men’s and couples groups. He loved his bridge groups and became a pretty good player! He played right up until his passing.
He was also very involved with First Presbyterian Church. He deeply loved the Lord, and as he grew older, so did his faith. He developed a love for Jesus Christ and attributed his 36 years of sobriety to his walk in his Christian Faith. He held a number of leadership positions at First Presbyterian, including deacon, elder, and member of the Foundation Board.
Trent was also very active in AA programs. This work deepened his Christian faith and enabled him to help hundreds of people on their personal walks to sobriety. He felt this was his true calling in life. As a part of this calling, he and Betty started an “Overcomers Group,” a Christian-based meeting held every Monday night for more than 12 years.
And then there was his family - it was here that he found his greatest happiness, through his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren (the “greats” brought him such joy!) He was a Boy Scout, Indian Guide and Indian Princess Leader, which allowed him to share his love for the outdoors with his family through camping, fishing and hunting. Deer and dove hunting trips were one of life’s highlights, and it seemed like there was always a new gun to buy, some place … To add to the fun, Trent moved the family out to the Kern River and built a home. He also tried his hand at raising cattle, pigs, chicken, and chuckers. Life was never dull at the Jones’s.
Inheriting a love of travel from his parents, Trent took Betty on many wonderful trips including Europe, China, Norway, Mexico as well as visits to many state and national parks.
Trent is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth (Betty) Jones; his daughter Jennifer Starbuck (husband, the late Steven Starbuck) and son Chris Jones; Grandchildren Megan Starbuck Green (Colby), Anthony Starbuck, and Cianen Jones; Great Grandchildren Everett and Harrison Green. He is also survived by his sisters Gayle Laura Livanos and Maxine Alicia Dumler (husband John Dumler).
Trent lived a rich, full life, filled with love and admiration for his family and friends. He will be forever loved and missed by those who knew him. He now rests in peace!
The family wishes to thank the devoted staff at both Memorial Hospital 4th Floor, East Wing and Hoffman Hospice for their loving care of Trent in his final days.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hoffman Hospice.
“Well done, good and faithful servant! … Enter into the joy of your master.’” (Matthew 25:23).