Obituary: Calvert 'Tom' Jones

Calvert “Tom” Jones, 88, of Patterson, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on April 12, 1938, in Sulphur, Louisiana, Tom lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, and devotion to his faith and the people he loved. Tom was a proud veteran of the United States Army as well as a devoted parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church. His faith served as the foundation of the values he lived by and the example he set for generations of his family.
For 45 years, Tom made his living constructing beautiful custom homes and camps throughout St. Mary Parish and beyond, working alongside his brothers and sons-in-law. He took great pride in his craft and in the relationships he built with the families and communities he served. Through his hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence, he established Jones & Ellender Contractors, Inc., a family business that continues to carry forward his legacy.
Tom was a true outdoorsman who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He spent countless hours shrimping, fishing, and hunting, and he especially loved being at his camp, his favorite place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Tom delighted in living off the land, but rarely kept his catch for himself, preferring instead to share it with friends and family. Tom had a generous heart and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. Having grown up with limited means, he understood hardship firsthand. From a young age, he worked hard and contributed what he could to help support his family, a testament to the selflessness, compassion, and strong work ethic that would define his life.
His generosity was matched only by his sense of humor. Tom was known for speaking his mind, making people laugh, and never meeting a stranger. His honesty, wit, and character left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Audrey Venable Jones; his siblings, June Smalley, Russell Jones, Jane Jones, Michael “Mac” Jones (Elorane), Thomas Lee Jones, and Mark Jones (Vonnie); his daughters, Krista Larriviere (Bruce), Donna Cheely (Jamie), and Kelli Nolan (Kelly); his eight grandchildren, Taylor Larriviere (Madison), Ben Larriviere, Ashley Larriviere (Daniel Johnson), Bryant Cheely (Teresa), Lauren Bigler (Brock), Thomas Cheely, Jonathan Cheely (Bella Reed), and Nick Nolan; and nine great-grandchildren. He will be missed greatly by the daily afternoon visits from his closest companions: his brothers, Russell & Mac Jones and friend, Bob Opperman, as well as the only son he never had, Jamie Cheely.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jacob “Jake” Jones and Ethel Abshire Jones, and his siblings, Calvin Jones and Joan Jones and his beloved dear friend, AJ “Jboy” Scadlock.
To know Tom was to know a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and never hesitated to lend a helping hand or share a laugh. Above all else, he cherished his family, and his love for them was reflected in everything he did. Though he will be deeply missed, the love, laughter, and memories he shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew him forever.
A visitation was held on Friday, August 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson. Following the visitation, family and friends were invited to St. Joseph Catholic Church, where a rosary was prayed at 1:00 p.m. prior to a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:30 p.m. Graveside services followed in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers were Taylor Larriviere, Ben Larriviere, Bryant Cheely, Thomas Cheely, Jonathan Cheely, and Nick Nolan.
Reverend Monsignor Richard Greene was the Celebrant for the Mass with Father Angelo Cremaldi and Father Gregory Heslip, LC concelebrating.
Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia St., Patterson, LA, 70392, (985) 395-7873.