William Allen Jones

Retired Air Force Colonel William Allen Jones, 75, passed away on March 2, 2009, at his home in Abilene. Allen was born in Bradshaw, Texas, on July 23, 1933, to Willie and Era Jones. After 30 years of distinguished service in the United States Air Force, he retired in 1983. In 1951 Allen graduated from Clyde High School where he excelled in football and track, winning first place state-wide medals in the 100-yard dash, the 220-yard dash, and the 4 by 100-yard relay. He earned a track scholarship to Baylor University where he continued his exceptional athletic record in track and football. His outstanding football performance resulted in a draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 1955. He earned a BBA degree from Baylor University in June 1955 and a Master of Science degree in Business Management from Troy State University at Ramstein Air Force Base (AFB), Germany, in June, 1976. Allen married Dorothy Lee Fagan, in Anson, Texas, on March 5, 1955. After graduating from Baylor, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force, and he and Dorothy moved to Hondo AFB, Texas, the first of many places they lived during his military service. He was also stationed at: Vance AFB, Oklahoma; Shaw AFB, South Carolina; Ladd AFB, Alaska; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; Pope AFB, North Carolina; and Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Vietnam. Beginning in 1963, Allen primarily flew the C-130 Hercules aircraft, except for an interim C-123 Provider assignment in Southeast Asia, Vietnam. After completing his Vietnam tour in 1965, he served as a C-130 Standards and Evaluation Flight Examiner at Dyess for two years followed by a one-year student assignment at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and two years as the Tactical Airlift Advisor to the Imperial Iranian Air Force Headquarters at Tehran, Iran. He returned to Dyess in 1970 as a Wing Plans Officer responsible for writing and updates to operation, deployment, readiness and nuclear airlift plans. His next assignment at Dyess was as Chief of the Standards and Evaluation Division. In January 1973, he was reassigned to USAFE Headquarters at Ramstein AFB, Germany, where he served as Operations Staff Officer; Chief of Airlift Operations Division; and Deputy to the Chief, European Military Airlift Center, until his reassignment to Dyess in December 1976 as the 463 TAW Director of Operations. His final assignment was Base Commander of Little Rock AFB where he retired from service on November 30, 1983. Colonel Jones was a command pilot with over 7,000 flying hours, including 538 combat hours in C-130 and C-123 aircraft. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with six oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Air Force Commendation Medal. He was a member of the Order of Daedalians, National Fraternity of Military Pilots, and the Retired Officers Association. Allen led a full and active life during his retirement in Abilene. He enjoyed fishing expeditions with his children and grandchildren, annual family vacations at various spots throughout Texas, traveling with Dorothy in their RV, and collecting rocks for the mantle of the fireplace in their retirement home. Allen was a prolific gardener and took delight in canning, freezing and drying his produce. His building expertise also yielded impressive results – rock walls, sidewalks, and a tank for garden water and fishing. He enjoyed a good laugh and gatherings where he could revel in stories and jokes with friends and family. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dorothy; a sister, Peggy Shoemaker; children: Mickey Jones and wife Brenda of Miller View; Weldon Jones and wife Deborah of Big Spring; Ted Jones and wife Janet of Houston, Linda Neill and husband Brad of Abilene. His pride and joy were his eight grandchildren and great-grandchild: Clayton Jones; Parker, McKinzie and Bailey Jones; Caitlin and Jodi Jones; Bradley and Tanner Swaringen; and great-granddaughter Lillie Ann Jones. Allen leaves a legacy of memories, laughter and love to his extended family, the Blanton Scott Family of Clyde, and to his many close Clyde, Baylor and Air Force friends throughout the United States. The family expresses their sincere appreciation for Allen's caregivers: Velma Caballero, Sylvia Picon and Marinita Alvolos. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, March 5, 2009, at Wylie Baptist Church. Jeff Hatcher will officiate. Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park in the Field of Honor Section with full military honors. A visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene, Texas. Pallbearers will be his sons, Mickey, Ted and Weldon Jones and son-in-law, Brad Neill. To provide care for Allen and Dorothy, their children designed and built a new "Senior Care" cottage home by their original retirement home. Allen loved trees and a fund has been set up to for trees to honor Allen's memory around their new home where Dorothy will continue to live. If you desire a memorial donation may be made to that fund: Allen Jones Tree Fund, Four Seasons Grower LTd @ P. O. Box 239 Center Point, TX 78010 or to the charitable organization of your choice.