Kenneth Fred Jones

Kenneth Fred Jones was born on September 6, 1929 in Slaton, Texas. He was welcomed into this world by his parents Benjamin Fred Jones and Celia Berta Olive Jones and his older sister, Geraldine. He passed away on May 16, 2016 in Abilene, Texas. Fred and Celia Jones returned to Abilene, their home, soon after Kenneth's birth. He attended school in Abilene, graduating from Abilene High School in 1946. Kenneth accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior at age nine. He was called to preach at age seventeen. From that young age, he started ministering with Bro. Ashford, pastor of South Side Baptist Church, in various outreaches of his home church. He met the love of his life, Mary Opal Turner, at church, of course, in Abilene. They were married on November 25,1948, in Abilene. She was his biggest supporter, the mother of his three sons, and his ministry partner. He graduated from Hardin Simmons University in 1950 with a BA, and Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth in 1954 with a Bachelor of Divinity degree which is now called the Master of Divinity degree. He pastored Baptist Churches in Santo, Richland, Blackwell, Goldsmith, Merkel, Caps, and Wingate. In addition, he served University Baptist Church as Minister of Senior adults and was the interim pastor of several Baptist churches in the Abilene area as well as serving as the interim Director of Missions for the Abilene Baptist Association. Even though his health deteriorated, his ministry continued until his retirement as pastor of Wingate Baptist Church, in 2012. Thus ended his sixty-six years of preaching the gospel. He was known for his love for his church members, and was always available to pray with and encourage those around him. He was blessed with the gift of music; and enjoyed playing the piano, singing, and playing his many harmonicas. He enjoyed hunting and fishing with family and friends. He especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren about the great outdoors. He loved working with his hands. and developed great skill in carpentry. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Celia Jones, beloved grandsons Cody and Aaron Jones, and by his brother-in-law Harry Hale. He is survived by his wife Mary Jones of Abilene and their sons: William and wife Ruth of Merkel, Danny and wife Pam of Caldwell, and Thomas of West Palm Beach, Florida. He is also survived by his sister Geraldine Hale of Abilene. He has eight beloved grandchildren: Timothy Morris of Fort Worth, Matthew Morris (Kara) of New Orleans, Darren Jones of Abilene, Mary Kathryn (Joshua) Wright of Lago Vista, Rebekah (Kyle) Ickes of Arlington, Benjamin (Katie) Jones of Caldwell, Ashley (David) Bailey of Smyrna, Georgia, and Hannah Jones of Richmond, Virginia. His great-grandchildren include Jack, Quinn, and Kannon Morris, Chance Hill, Zoe Jones, Henry and Charles Ickes, and Tad Bailey. Also mourning his passing are nephews Robert Hale and David Hale and their families, other nieces and nephews and a host of friends, and special family member Patti Jones. Memorial services will be held at First Baptist Church, Merkel at 2:00 PM Friday, May 20. Visitation will be Thursday, May 19, 6:00 until 8:00 PM at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the L. L. Trott fund of the Abilene/Callahan Baptist Association, PO Box 5228, Abilene, TX 79608.