Brad Jones

Thomas Bradley Jones, age 81, died at Methodist Hospital in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 following a lengthy illness. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his three daughters, son-in-law and eldest grandson.

Brad was born on Friday, May 11, 1934 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Vida Louella and Albert Hayden Jones. He graduated from Benton High School in 1953 and the University of Missouri in 1957 where he was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and the Mizzou Track Team.

Brad worked in the field of veterinary pharmaceuticals, beginning his career in sales at Anchor Serum in St. Joseph. While working at Pioneer Vet Supply in Houston, he met his soulmate Virginia (Knight) Shuffler Jones. They wed on October 5, 1979 and for the next 36 years they were inseparable. Brad and Virginia founded Modern Veterinary Supply, Ritter Manufacturing, and Custom Packaging where he served as President/CEO at the time of his death.

Brad was preceded in death by his parents and wife. He is survived by daughters Tracy Christie (Terry), Robin Lowe (David) and Traci Wills (John), grandchildren Jennifer Augenstein (Guy), Brad and Brett Christie; Hannah, Evelyn, Toby and Jared Lowe; Chelsea and Chase Stanley; and great-grandchildren Abby, Jack and Joey Augenstein.

Brad or “Jonsie,” as his wife lovingly called him, never met a stranger. A natural-born salesman, he was an only-child who treated everyone as family, and lived life to the fullest. He loved travel, sports, and entertaining; the perfect margarita and a T-bone steak were offered to anyone who stopped by.

Family and friends gathered for a visitation from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26 at Waltrip Funeral Directors, 1415 Campbell Road in Houston, where funeral service were held in the chapel at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, 2016, with Reverend Michael Jarboe of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church officiating. Graveside services and interment followed at Brookside Memorial Park Cemetery, 13747 Eastex Freeway, also in Houston.

Honored to serve as pallbearers were John Willis, Terry Christie, David Lowe, Brad Christie, Brett Christie, Chase Stanley, Toby Lowe, Jared Lowe, Guy Augenstein and Shannon Shead.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to The Salvation Army, Houston Area Command, 1500 Austin St. Houston, TX 77002. 713-752-0677, or visit www.salvationarmyhouston.org