Harry Allen Jones, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday morning, September 18, 2026. Allen, as he was known in his adult years, had a number of nicknames early in life, including Jonesy (of course), Bub, and Bud. The one most friends and acquaintances knew him by from junior high school through college was Bonesy, introduced by a classmate in the 6th grade as a combination of Jonesy and reference to his small build.
Allen was born in Galveston, Texas, as there was no hospital in Texas City, where his parents Harry and Edna Jones, were living at the time. The family moved to Burnet and then Austin in the mid 1940’s as Allen’s dad began a career in watch repair. In 1946 the family moved one last time to Columbus, Texas, the hometown of Allen’s dad and grandparents. There his mom and dad opened Jones Jewelry, which they successfully owned and managed through Allen’s “growing up” years.
Allen played football in junior high and football and basketball in high school, lettering in both sports. He attended St. Paul Lutheran Church, was active and held leadership roles in Future Farmers of America. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1959.
Allen attended four years at Texas Lutheran College, graduating in 1963 with a Bachelor’s degree in General Business. He remained active in sports throughout college, lettering in Judo all four years and serving as president of the Judo Club his final year. At the beginning of his senior year, he had a chance meeting with a young lady named Gwen Foss at the TLC bookstore. Allen and Gwen were married at First English Lutheran Church in Victoria, Texas April 6th, 1963.
Following graduation Allen entered the United States Air Force and attended the Officers Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, Allen was transferred to Amarillo Air Force Base for training in the supply field. Upon completion in Amarillo, Allen and Gwen were transferred to Lowry Air Force in Denver, where they would remain until 1966. At that time, they and their new son, Steven, moved to Suffolk, England, where Allen was assigned to the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing at the Royal Air Field Bentwaters as Munitions Supply Officer. He was fond of saying he was accountable “for everything on the base that went poof, boom or bang.” He served in this capacity for the next three years, advancing to the rank of Captain. Allen separated from the Air Force in 1969 and returned with Gwen and Steven to Victoria to begin their next stage in life.
As good fortune would have it, Allen soon entered the newly founded Officer’s Training Program at Victoria Bank & Trust, spending the next year moving through all departments of the bank, learning the functions of each and their contributions to the bank and its customers. After completing the program, Allen was assigned to Credit Cards, Installment Loans and the Credit Department, ultimately moving to the Human Resources Department, then known as Personnel. Allen remained in H.R. the rest of his time at VB&T, rising to Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. He concurrently served as Vice President and HR Officer for Victoria Bank Shares and as Liaison Director for two smaller banks owned by the holding company.
After 21 years with VB&T, Allen moved to First Victoria National Bank as the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. He held this position, served as Secretary to the Board for a period of time and assisted the bank holding company’s smaller banks with HR matters for 18 years, until his retirement in 2008.
In the 57 years in Victoria, Allen, Gwen and Steven have been members of First English Lutheran Church, where Allen served in a number of roles – various committees, Usher, Deacon, Secretary and President of the Church Council.
Outside work and church activities, Allen enjoyed hunting, photography, and spending time in the country taking care of their horses, cows, a number of cats and Gwen’s rose gardens and fruit trees.
Allen lived his life dedicated to God, his family and church. He touched many during his time with us and will be greatly missed.
Allen is preceded in death by his mother and father, Edna Allen Stafford Jones and Harry Prentice Jones, grandparents Pauline Fredricka Kretzschmar Jones and Prentice Jones and his parents-in-law, Mildred Taylor Foss and Marvin John Foss.
He is survived by his wife Gwen, of Victoria, son Steven Foss Jones of Dallas, brother-in law Shawn Foss, sister-in-law Renee Foss, Don Miller, nephews and nieces Michael and Christa Foss, Mason Foss and Erin Reese, Alexis Foss, Col. Dennis and Donelle Beal, Jordan Miller and Jessica Couto.
Visitation for family and friends will be Thursday, September 24, 2026 from 9-10 AM at First English Lutheran Church. Funeral Services will immediately follow at 10 AM with Pastor Chip Reynolds officiating. Following the funeral, a reception and fellowship will be held at Felger Hall.
A Graveside service with full military honors, will be Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 2:30PM at Odd Fellows Rest Cemetery in Columbus, Texas.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, memorials may be made to First English Lutheran Church, Hospice of South Texas or the charity of the donor’s choice.
