Richard Ernest Jones

Richard Ernest Jones, age 96 died November 14, 2017 at his home in Washington, DC. He was born March 1, 1921 in Calloway County, KY to the late Willie Ray and Commodore Jones. His two younger sisters, Lauretta and Lavinia, preceded him in death. Mr. Jones graduated from the University of Kentucky at age 19. He was inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi fraternity, and following college he served as an agricultural teacher in Kentucky schools. Mr. Jones enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942. He became an A-20 pilot and flew 65 missions over Europe. He received a Distinguished Unit Badge, 2 Silver Oak clusters, 2 Bronze Oak clusters, and European Theatre ribbon with 6 battle stars, American Theatre Ribbon, World War II Victory ribbon, and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He was named Chevalier in the French Legion of Honor. He resigned from the U.S. Air Force in 1955 with the rank of Major.

He next managed a ranch in Texas until his employment as a Staff Engineer with the TRW Energy & Systems Group in McLean, Virginia. He joined the Department of Energy in 1976, retiring in 1996. His marriage to Marvel Weeks ended in divorce.

Mr. Jones is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jane Sundelof Jones, two children, Richard and Jennifer, and four grandchildren, Rachel and Jane Jones and Richard and Marshall Platt.

A service with Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date to be announced.