Everett R. Jones Jr.

Everett Riley Jones, Jr., at 95 years young, veteran of World War II and the oil and gas business, a true patriot of the United States of America, after a brief illness died peacefully Monday afternoon, November 4, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, his dear companion Jane Day and his closest business friends.

Everett was born July 28, 1918, the only child of Marjorie Mason Hatfield Jones and Everett R. Jones, Sr. in Leitchfield, Kentucky. His father and uncles owned and managed Jones Brothers Mercantile and Dry Goods and his mother was known as the "Steel Magnolia" who always added sugar to everything, even her favorite hamburger!

Everett began his education at Spencerian Community College, but with the onset of World War II, he realized his deep desire to assist other patriots in securing the liberty and freedom of his much loved country. Everett enlisted in the United States Army Air Force and served as Captain of the B-24 Liberator from 1942 to 1945 when he was honorably discharged. He flew thirty-five successful bombing missions over the European Theater and also two D-Day missions. One particular mission did not go as planned. Running low on fuel and losing one starboard engine, Everett and his crew were crippled and vulnerable while returning to base. As Captain, he noticed a new experimental German ME-163 Komet appear on his port side. At the same time, an American Mustang P-51 appeared on his starboard side signaling that he had the crew's back. A battle ensued resulting in a successful return to base but with the loss of his wingman. Everett never forgot the huge sacrifice this unknown pilot made for him and his crew. It became his life's mission to find the pilot's family, tell them of the pilot's valor and to express his gratitude. During the mid 1990's, he finally located the family of the brave pilot, Lt. Denis Alison. This became another of Everett's successful missions.

Everett earned and was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the American Campaign Service Medal and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal.

After the war, Everett returned to his education, studying at both Oxford and the University of Louisville, graduating as a Kentucky Licensed Public Accountant. He began his career working as Secretary/Treasurer/Director of Lafitte Oil Corporation of Louisville, Kentucky. He discovered his sincere love of the oil business when Lafitte Oil sent him to participate in their Louisiana division.

Returning to Kentucky, Everett realized that he could never follow in family footsteps into the mercantile or banking businesses because his heart belonged in the oil business. Despite his mother's warning that Texas cattle have large, long horns he fulfilled his desire to seek his fortune among the many legendary Texas wildcatters by moving to Dallas, Texas in 1949. He was fortunate enough to secure a meeting with the legendary H.L. Hunt of Hunt Oil Company. Never one to beat around the bush, Everett did not hesitate to tell Mr. Hunt that he, too, wanted to be a part of a family oil company and eventually own one like Hunt Oil. Graciously, Mr. Hunt did not blink but simply replied, "Everett I can honestly say that you will never be a part of our family business but I think I know someone you should meet and who might help you with your goal."

Mr. Hunt introduced Everett to R.J Fryer of Fryer & Hanson Drilling Company where he served as partner from 1950-1958. Though most of his time was used in increasing his knowledge of the industry, it was not all work. Everett used his joy for life, vast friendships and his love for all things fun to entertain many clients, investors and celebrities at the annual Kentucky Derby.

While with Fryer & Hanson, Everett met Lois Evelyn Gibbins, a beautiful young woman working at Dallas Power and Light. After a whirlwind courtship they eloped to Oklahoma returning to make Dallas their home for the next 58 years. Together they welcomed the birth of their two daughters, Stacey Rae and Rande Leigh. Everett was a loving, devoted husband and father. He may have ruled with a firm hand but "Daddy's Girls" always knew how to turn him into mush.

In 1959, Everett decided the time was right to realize his dream and provide a secure future for his new family. He founded Bengal Producing Company and eventually Everett R. Jones, Jr. Oil and Gas Properties.

Everett had a great love of travel. Every summer planning a road trip for his three girls to see our beautiful country, touring them through the European Theater of World War II, trips throughout the world with their friends, and also as an oil industry ambassador to five countries.

Everett was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Lois Evelyn Gibbins Jones and is survived by his daughters Stacey Jones Angel, her husband Charles A. Angel, Jr. of Dallas and Rande Jones Ross and her husband, S. Thomas Ross, Jr. of Fort Worth; step grandson Trey Angel and great grandson Chase; step grandson Martin Angel, wife Paige and great grandson Davis and great granddaughter Abigail.

It is the family's pleasure to dedicate as honorary pallbearers: Bob Blumenfeld, Harold C. Carter, James W. Griffin, George Haycraft, Roy Howell, Al Hrubetz, William C. Marsh, George C. Pendleton, Todd Reasonover, Jack Sistrunk, and Abbott Sparks.

Everett was both member and past President of the Dallas Engineers Club and The Dallas Petroleum Club. He was Director of the Dallas County Small Business Center, Inc.; Trustee of the Southwest Engineering Foundation; contributor of articles/stories to various business and military newspapers and publications; member of the Royal Air Force Club London, Northwood Country Club Dallas, Park City Club and The Dallas Museum of Art.

On behalf of Everett, the family would like to give heartfelt thanks to Pam C. Davis, Georgianna Hanes, Betty Taylor, Jovy Bangoy, Drs. Joyce Thompson, Kent Hamilton and James Shelton, MedProvider, Doctors, nurses and staff of Baylor Hospital Dallas Roberts 4 ICU, and Paul Parchment and the staff of The Dallas Petroleum Club.

A private family interment will be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013. A memorial service in the joyous celebration of a life well lived will be held on Friday, November 8, 2013, at 2:00 pm in the Main Sanctuary of the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation; The Rev. Harry Hill officiating. A reception will follow at the home of Charlie and Stacey Angel.

Instead of floral offerings, his memory may be honored with a gift to Happy Hill Farm Children's Home, 3846 North Highway 144, Glen Rose, Texas 76043.

NOT HOW LONG A LIFE, BUT HOW NOBLE.

-Seneca