Brett Jones

Brett Tevel Jones was born September 7th, 2000, in Wellington, KS to John Jones and Debbie Arnett. He passed away Thursday, January 4th, 2024.

Brett was a little brother to Zacheri and Aubreigh Arroyo, big brother to Emma Jones and Uncle to Bruno Arroyo. He was a stepson to Amber Jones; a stepbrother to Austin, Payton, Deshawne, Cayden and Devon and a step uncle to KJ. He was the grandson of Julie Arnett, Larry and Treva Arnett, Deborah Jones and step grandson of Mark and Cinda Barnett. He was nephew to Donna, Finley, Dan, Marya, Raylee, Jason, Alice, and Travis. He was also cousin to Blynn, Eric, Elysse, Erik, Diamond, Danny, Faith, Greg, Austin, Riley, Nik, Annie, Larai, Lexa, Alysia, Jaslin, Christopher, Sonny and Tiffany. Last but certainly not least, he was boyfriend and future husband to Anna Agosto.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Sonny “Dada” Jones and Papa Gary Sanderson, Stepfather Jeremy “Gator” Gates, and Uncle Rick Starbird.

Brett started his film career at age 5, setting up a video camera and acting out scenes. Soon after he began drawing and then writing scripts. In middle school he began convincing his two best friends Caden and Cooper to act in his movies. In the 7th grade Brett took the ACT and scored higher than the average high schooler with a 22. He was active in many sports such as football, baseball, wrestling, and track as well as orchestra, playing the violin.

While in high school he was videographer for the athletic department. He filmed most athletic events as well as edited and created countless hype videos. He also filmed weddings, music videos, and promotional videos. During his senior year, he presented a full-length film about the Derby Football Program. He was selected and won awards at the Tallgrass Film Festival, Doc Sunback Film Festival, among many others. He also won awards through The Kansas Association of Broadcasters, National History Day, and Technology Student Association. He was accepted into the National Honors society and won several educational awards during his school career. Brett graduated from Derby High School in 2019 with the highest honors.

He went on to the University of Arizona where he interned as videographer for the athletic department for 4 years. Brett had a multitude of films selected for festivals including Tallgrass, Doc Sunback, Underground, 3-minute and 5-minute festivals. At the Rocky Mountain Southwest award ceremony, Brett won a Student Emmy for Student Production Award for Best College Nonfiction short form for “Something to Fear.” On May 12, 2023, Brett graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Film and Television from the University of Arizona.

In July of 2023, Brett moved to Atlanta Georgia to begin his Cinematography career. In the brief time before his death, Brett was already working in his field and had many offers for future projects.

Brett was a loving, intelligent, talented, selfless, strong, determined old soul. We are beyond proud and blessed to have had him as a son, brother, grandson, uncle, friend, and boyfriend. He touched the lives of so many over the years and will be truly missed by us all. As Caden Holcomb said, “The world was a better place with Brett in it, but he has left a golden piece of himself with all of us.”

We’re confident that he has received Gods promise of eternal life and is safely walking with his lord and savior Jesus Christ. We thank you all for the thoughts and prayers for those of us that were left behind. We pray for peace, understanding and remembrance.

Visitation: Wednesday, January 10th, 2024, from 6:00pm -8:00pm at Smith Mortuary, Derby 1415 North Rock Road Derby, Kansas 67037. Funeral Service: 1:00pm, Thursday, January 11th, 2024 at Mulvane First Baptist Church 1020 North 2nd Street Mulvane, Ks. Interment to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in 10102 E. 95th St. S, Derby Kansas.

In Lieu of flowers please help support equality and due process by making a tax-deductible donation in Brett Jones’ name to Families Advocating for Campus Equality: https://www.facecampusequality.org/donate by check or money order by mail to: FACE (Families Advocating for Campus Equality) P.O. Box 261, Honor, Mi. 49640-0261. To donate by phone please call 701-491-8554.