Irby Cullen Jones Jr.

Irby Cullen Jones passed away on October 8, 2025. He was born on August 4,1937 in Pensacola, Florida to Mary G. Garrett and Irby Cullen Jones, Sr. He grew up in Florala, Alabama. He had fond memories of fishing, hunting, and swimming with his father. Irby won the Good Sportsmanship Award while playing high school football. Sportsmanship and honor were lifelong qualities.

Irby skipped the third grade and graduated from high school at the age of 16. He then attended Auburn University, earning a degree in Chemical Engineering at age 20.

After college, Irby enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1958 at Tyndall AFB, near Panama City, Florida. He married Kathleen Louise Ertel, a nurse at Tyndall, on February 13, 1960. He and Kathy both left the Air Force as First Lieutenants.

In 1961, Irby began employment as a chemical engineer for the Dow Chemical Company in Freeport, Texas. He and Kathy lived and raised their family in nearby Lake Jackson, Texas. They had numerous friends and wonderful times during their 20 years there.

In 1981, Irby was transferred to Dow’s Louisiana Division in Plaquemine, as director of Research and Development. He was then transferred again, in the late 1980’s, to Terneuzen, The Netherlands, as director of R&D in Terneuzen and director of Process Research for Dow Europe.

Irby retired from Dow at the age of 53. He and Kathy spend a few years in Tallahassee, Florida. They then moved to Gonzales, Louisiana. Irby spent the remainder of his years in Gonzales, enjoying family gatherings, his seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Irby and Kathy were married for 49 years, and had three children, Michael, Jeffrey (wife Dawn), and Patricia (husband David). Irby was very proud of his grandchildren: Cameron, Kelsey, Casey, Magnolia, Tate, Chloe, and Cayley. Casey (wife Lauren) has given Irby two great-grandchildren, Grayson and Claire.

Irby enjoyed many hobbies and pastimes. He loved playing golf. He attended numerous British Open Championships and the Masters tournament. He played the “old course” at St. Andrews. Irby also loved the game of Bridge. He was very proud of the fact that he achieved the level of “Gold Life Master”. Also, he and Kathy attended many Auburn football games.

Irby’s beloved wife Kathy passed away on July 5, 2009. Irby then married Martha Jo Ligon on June 8, 2010. He and Martha Jo were together for 16 years. Irby said that he was blessed to have had two wonderful wives and two amazing Bridge partners.

Irby said in his last few days, “I’ve had a good life and I know that I am right with God”. He was a very generous man. He always thought of others and helped when he could. He funded college for all 7 of his grandkids. There’s a very special place for him in heaven.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 44450 Hwy 429, St. Amant, LA 70774, on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. The visitation will begin at 10AM with the service at 11AM. The interment will follow in the church mausoleum. Fond memories and words of condolences may be expressed at www.OursoFH.com for the Jones family.