Weldon Jones

James Weldon Jones, 71, of Baytown, TX, went to be with the Lord on December 19, 2014 after a lengthy illness. He was at home, surrounded by his family. He was a member of Grace Bible Church, Baytown. Born in Tarkington Prairie on December 17, 1943, he grew up on a farm with his parents and four siblings. His memories of working on the farm and being part of a large, loving family formed him as the strong, loving family man he became. When he was twelve years old, his family sold their farm and moved to Baytown, where he spent the rest of his years. He played football at Cedar Bayou Junior High School, Robert E. Lee High School, and even tried out one summer with his favorite team ever, the Houston Oilers.

He served his country in the Army, and made his career in police work. He gave over 33 years of service to the Baytown Police Department. Up until the very end of his life here on earth, he took great pride in his officers. He considers them his brothers and would've gladly laid his life on the line for any one of them. There was a deep level of respect between him and the other officers, and to this day many of them speak of how ""Sarge"" treated them with fairness and respect. He lived his life in this same manner, and taught his officers and family by example how to treat others.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Sidney and Etta Jones, his brother, Charles Jones, and his sister, Mae Dell Jones Laughlin. Weldon is survived by his wife of 49 years, Edie Jones, his son, Steve Jones, his daughter, Donna Jones Brown and husband, Tim, all of Baytown. He is also survived by his granddaughters, Amanda Burlin and her husband, Jason, of Fort Bragg, NC, Madison Jones, Lauren Jones, and Brooke Jones, all of Baytown as well as great-granddaughters Layna Burlin and Kaydence Burlin, both of Fort Bragg, NC. He is survived by his brothers, Billy Jones of Sulphur Springs and Ronnie Jones and wife, Kay, of Liberty, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Weldon Jones was a man of great integrity, believing that there was something of value in everyone, and that it was important to find that value in a person and show them respect. His love for the Lord allowed him to face the end of his life as a transition not to be feared but to be embraced with confidence.

His family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 23, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at Navarre Funeral Home with Rev. Roy A. Cloudt officiating. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Ryan Cemetery in Tarkington Prairie between Liberty and Cleveland.

Serving as pallbearers will be John Shaw, Jim Kerr, Chad Johnson, Kevin Dunlap, Ron Gilbert, and Billy Mercer.

The family would like to thank Alice Swaim and Gayle Claverie for their years of service as his loving caregivers. He loved them dearly and considered them as part of our family. We are grateful to Dr. Sarti and staff, Life Source Home Health, Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital, and Hospice Plus for their compassionate and tender care.

In lieu of usual remembrances, donations can be made to Grace Bible Church, 624 Massey Tompkins Road, Baytown, TX 77521.

To view the online obituary or to post a tribute for the family, go to www.navarrefuneralhome.com

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521 (281) 422-8111.