Jones, Christopher Conrad (Age 56) of Laurel, Maryland.

Christopher C. Jones, 56, of Laurel, Maryland, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, in Santa Clara, California. He was born May 2, 1956, in La Plata, Maryland, to parents Leo Jones and the late Catherine Wills-Jones. Chris graduated from La Plata High School, in La Plata, Maryland in 1974, and thereafter obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland. In 1982, he began his career at Varian, Inc., a leader in the development of scientific equipment, later acquired by Agilent Technologies Inc. Chris worked in the Research Products Division as the Manager, Customer Support, for the Americas.

Chris met his wife, Sharon Carkhuff while living in Laurel, MD and became an integral part of her life with son, Shawn Kozlov. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his granddaughter Hailey Kozlov. Chris always rose to the occasion, be it the role of husband, father, grandfather, friend, neighbor, or host of the party. Chris loved his family and friends and was always ready to listen or lend a hand. He had a tremendous passion for people. Whether a neighbor, friend, co-worker, client or stranger on the street, Chris loved to share his time, energy, and smile with everyone he encountered throughout his day.
Chris enjoyed all types of travel, especially the family ski vacations to Steamboat, CO. He was an avid scuba diver and held a Rescue Diver certification. He loved working with his hands and found time to repair, mend, and build things for his family and friends.

Chris is survived by his wife, Sharon Carkhuff, son, Shawn Kozlov and granddaughter, Hailey Kozlov; father, Leo Jones of LaPlata; brothers, Charles LeRoy Wills (Margaret) of Bel Alton, Matthew Wills (Rosita) of Bryantown and Robert Wills of Clinton; sisters, Mary Wallace (Leroy) of Suitland, Catherine E. Wills of LaPlata, H. Patricia Washington of Suitland, Jean Stewart (Joe) of Clinton, Audrey T. Wills of Suitland, Beverly Chisley (Nace) of Clinton, Monica Wills of Washington, D.C. and Bonita Jones of Reston, VA; uncle, Roland Dyson (Celestine) of Port Tobacco; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to his mother, Catherine Wills-Jones, he is preceded in death by his older brother, George L. Dyson.

Viewing, 6 to 8pm, Monday, June 18, 2012 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640. Visitation 9am until Mass of Christian Burial, 10am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 201 St. Mary's Avenue, La Plata, Maryland 20646. Final Disposition will be Private.

The family would appreciate, in lieu of flowers, as expressions of sympathy, memorial donations made to: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org, www.lupus.org, or www.redcross.org