Burrell E. Jones

Burrell Elbert Jones, 89, of Victoria, Texas, died peacefully in his home August 11, 2014, with his family by his side. Burrell Jones is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Billie Jean Jones. He is also survived by three children, Burrell C. Jones (Cal) and his wife Loretta, James L. Jones (Jim) and his wife Karen, and Jeffrey L. Jones (Jeff) and his wife Chris, along with four grandchildren, Brett Jones and Nathan Palmer, Clint Jones and wife Stacy, Stephen Jones and Cullen Jones. Burrell Jones is also survived by four great grandchildren, Skylar Jones (Victoria, Tx), and Cole, Kylee, and Cohen Jones (Burkburnett, Tx).

He was preceded in death by Burrell Simpson Jones (father), Elaine Jones (mother), and sisters Eileen Stark (College Station, Tx) and Bettye Ann Smith (Rio Hondo, Tx).

Burrell Jones was born November 1, 1924, in Victoria, Texas. He graduated from Patti Welder High School in 1941, and attended Texas A&M University as an Aeronautical Engineer major in 1942. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps cadet program on December 4, 1942. He was classified as a navigator and graduated December 4, 1943, and was made an instructor at the age of 19. After instructing only one class, the Corps asked for a celestial navigator, and Burrell was assigned a personal instructor. Upon graduation, he received a commission as 2nd Lieutenant, and learned he was to be navigator for General George H. Brett who was commander of the Philippines before General MacArthur took over. For over-water experience, Burrell was attached to a bomb squadron stationed in the Galapagos Islands before joining General Brett as navigator of a B-17 named "The Swoose". The plane is now the only B-17 in the Smithsonian. During his remaining time as navigator for General Brett, Burrell flew to every country in South America (except Paraquay and Uruguay), flying ambassadors and dignitaries throughout the country helping to improve relations with South America. Burrell met Iron Man Dictator, Juan Peron of Argentina, President Samosa of Nicaragua, and was honored by the Bolivian Government when the crew of the Swoose was included in "The Royal Order of the Condor of the Andes."

After life in the Army Air Corps, Burrell's Dad asked him not to go back to Texas A&M, and join him with half interest in the Victoria Livestock Auction. He accepted the offer and began searching for a place to rebuild the business. He had purchased 110.1 acres of land at a bargain. He decided to sell, and the profit was used to build a new auction facility on the Old Goliad Road. The 110 acres he sold was later developed as Castle Hills Subdivision. Since this was considered prime property, Jones was often asked if he was disappointed having sold the property when he did. He never regretted accepting his Dad's offer, or selling the property, not once! In 1960, Burrell traded an interest in the Victoria Livestock Commission for an interest in the Cuero Livestock Sale. He sold out and retired in 1996.

On February 15, 1946, Burrell married Billie Jean Calhoun and remained a loving and devoted husband for 68 years. Burrell and Billie Jean loved cruises, horse races, and family. He was a dedicated Christian and lived out a Christ-like faith for all to witness. He had an incredible gift of giving to his family, his friends, his church, and many charitable organizations. He served as both a deacon and elder in the First Presbyterian Church, and most recently was a member of Lifepointe Fellowship Church. Burrell had sparkling blue eyes and a great smile, as well as a life-long love affair with golf, corn on the cob, lobster, and watermelon.

A visitation will be held on Friday, August 15, 2014, from 12:30 to 2 pm at Rosewood Funeral Home immediately followed by the funeral service with Rev. Les Cole officiating. Interment will take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery with flag folding honors under the auspices of Victoria Veteran's Council.

The Jones Family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Josie Garza (dearest friend), Dina Martinez, Minga Garcia, and Crown Hospice’s nurses and staff.

Pallbearers will be Brett Jones, Clint Jones, Cole Jones, Stephen Jones, Cullen Jones, and Lamar Smith. Honorary pallbearers are Pat Windom, Roland Ball, Craig Smith, Icky Maurer, Nathan Palmer, Shelly Holsey, Mike Rippamonti and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to Midcoast Family Services, 120 S. Main, Suite 310, or Lifepointe Fellowship Church, 8150 Nursery Dr., Victoria, Texas, 77904.

Arrangements under the direction of Rosewood Funeral Chapel, Victoria, TX.