Albert Lee "Al" Jones

Albert was born on October 30, 1933 in Vashti, Texas, and lived a life devoted to service, devotion and love. A proud U.S. Army veteran/ Al serviced his country with honor as part the elite Lockheed Skunk Works team-a group of men specifically chosen to build the top-secret SR-71 blackbird project, an achievement he carried with honor.

Al was married to the late Cleo (Skippy) Jones on November 25, 1962 who he met in San Diego, California. Together they had three loving children. He was a devoted father to Leanne Francis, Karolyn Davis and Michael Jones. A cherished grandfather, and a cherished great and great-great grandfather. He loved to see his great-great grandchildren come through the door. Al’s stories, wisdom, humor, and steady presence will live on through the many generations he touched.

Al was known for his patriotism, his dedication to this family, and his ability to make others feel safe. Outside of his service and devotion to family, Al found joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved to garden and took great pride in caring for his yard, keeping it neat and well maintained. His favorite flower was the rose, and his rose bushes were always kept in pristine shape-a reflection of the care and attention he gave to everything he loved. He truly loved his work and took pride in doing a job well done.

He cherished visits to Bowie, Texas spending time with his brother L.E, moments that meant a great deal to him. Al also enjoyed gambling, fishing and traveling. One of his last wishes was to take a drive to California and travel the coast. It’s the family’s hope that in his honor they may one day make a trip together carrying his memory with them along the way. Though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life well lived and a legacy that will never fade.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Edna Lee Jones; his \wife, Cleo Beiber Jones; his great-grandson, Cole Wayne Masterson; and his grandparents, Elbert and Harriet Jones.

He is survived by his son, Michael Dean Jones and wife, Shelly Collins Jones; daughters, Leanne Louise Francis and her husband Nathan Francis and Karolyn Clara Davis and her husband Mark A. Davis; brother L.E Jones and Barbara Salmon; 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild.

Dad, we know how much you loved money we hope there’s a lot up there!