Roll Call Tribute

(Published in) The (Bryan-College Station) Eagle (on) November 26, 2016

Jones, Charles B. “Bud

November 10, 1930 - November 23, 2016

"A leader is someone who helps improve the lives of other people or improve the system they live under."

-General Sam Houston

A devoted husband, father, community member and true Texan, Charles "Bud" Jones passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2016, just two weeks after his 86th birthday.

Born in Bryan on November 10, 1930, Bud's arrival was celebrated by his parents, Charles Nunn Jones and Mary Lula Floyd Jones. His father worked as a rancher, while his mother taught school in Anderson and managed to also serve as their church pianist while raising their three boys: Bud and his brothers Floyd M. Jones (and wife Delores, both now deceased) and surviving brother Edgar Earl "Skeeter" Jones (and wife Jimmye Dell, now deceased), of Bryan. Throughout their childhood, the Jones boys worked the family ranch with their father while attending school where Bud excelled in both track and football.

After graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School, Bud first attended Tarleton State University before transferring to and graduating Texas A&M University (Class of '52) where he was in the Corps of Cadets Upon receiving his Bachelor's degree from TAMU, Bud accepted a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in US Army Recon unit (of the 3rd Infantry Division) in Korea, from March 15, 1953 until March 12, 1955. During his Army tenure, Bud was promoted to 1st Lieutenant and received a Medal of Commendation for distinguished service. Subsequently, he returned home to Texas to formally begin his career as an educator, working alternatively as a classroom teacher, coach, principal and school administrator, with time as Assistant Superintendent of Bryan ISD. Along the way he worked in Austwell -Tivoli, San Diego, Refugio and Cameron school districts before returning to Bryan in 1966. Always invested in his students and colleagues, Buddy likewise committed himself to lifelong learning by earning his Master's in Education and his Ph.D.—both from Texas A&M, where he later worked as a professor. His commitment to education was instilled by his mother into all of her three sons as she taught them that even in times like the depression when banks and businesses failed "an education was something no one could ever take away from you".

Even so, Bud's proudest moment came after he was introduced to Jeanette Judith De Leon Jones, whom he met in Port Lavaca on a (chaperoned) blind date, before they eloped together and married on November 12, 1960. Their marriage lasted 45 years—until Jeanette's untimely death in 2006. Their love and union grew to include three sons: Marshall Brenning Jones (and wife Christina), Charles Eric Jones (and wife Joyce) and Bryan Daniel Jones (and wife Amber), all of College Station. Aside from his considerable community service, Bud remained devoted to his loving family, his friends and his strong faith as a member of Bethel Baptist Church. He also attended First United Methodist Church in Bryan as a member of the Men's Senior Bible Class. Indeed, it was his Christian faith that drove Bud's commitment to honor, responsibility, and stewardship of "the least of these, my brethren." He also enjoyed ranching, hunting especially in West Texas and Colorado, cooking and bar-b-queing for his family and friends as well as brushing up on his golf game at Briarcrest Country Club. Bud enjoyed traveling with his wife and friends especially trips to Las Vegas and Louisiana.

As a lifelong resident of the Brazos Valley, Bud remained invested in developing opportunities for and protecting the rights of his fellow citizens. His career as an educator was complimented by his membership in the Greater Brazos Valley United Way (Board of Directors), the Bryan Rotary Club, the Brazos Valley Development Council (Manpower Advisory Committee), and the Brazos Valley Community Action Agency. In a similar way, Bud served as an administrator for the Private Industry Council of the Brazos Valley, where he helped organize vocational education programs for disadvantaged youth, thus decreasing the local high school dropout rate. He was also instrumental in establishing the Nursing Program through both Bryan High School and Blinn College. He remained active in the Bethel Cemetery Association, American Legion Post (for more than 50 years), the VFW, the NRA and in Brazos Union Masonic Lodge 129 (as a Master Mason). He supported the Young Republicans at TAMU, and in his political life, Bud served as Brazos County Commissioner, and as a Texas State Representative. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives as an underdog, serving during the 75th and 76th Legislature, where he represented and protected the interests of District 13 and the State of Texas citizens from a principled, conservative leader's perspective, magnified by his integrity. He served on the Agriculture and Livestock and State, Federal and International Relations Committees sponsoring 10 house bills as principal author during his tenure. In essence, Bud's philosophy during his years of public service was no different than when he'd served as an Army lieutenant: as citizens of America and especially as Texans, we must defend and protect our cherished rights, privileges and freedoms in order to assure their existence. He was a true conservative and believed it was everyone's civic duty to serve their community.

Bud is survived (and lovingly remembered) by his sons and daughters-in-law: Marshall & Christina Jones, Charles Eric & Joyce Jones and Bryan & Amber Jones, as well as Buddy's brother, Skeeter. His grandchildren also miss him dearly, including Ryan Jones (and wife Katie, of Frisco), Zoe Hensley (of Arkansas), Noah Hensley (of College Station), Brittney Birdwell (and husband Justin, of College Station), Brandi Luckey (and husband Garris, of College Station), Brayden Jones (of College Station), Kassidy Lovell (and husband Colby, of Bedias) and Chance Jones (of College Station). Likewise, Bud is remembered fondly by his great-grandchildren: Elijah, Madison, Presley, Levi & Jewell, along with his newest great-grandchild, who will arrive in 2017. Bud is survived by numerous other relatives on both the Jones and DeLeon sides of his family. Bud was predeceased by sweetheart of 45 years, Jeanette, in addition to his parents, his brother Floyd and sisters-in-law Delores and Jimmye Dell.

Join us for the Life Celebration of Bud Jones, beginning with Visitation from 6-8pm on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Hillier Funeral Home in Bryan. Funeral services will then be held in the same location on Monday, November 28th at 10am, with interment to follow (in procession) at Bethel Cemetery, where Buddy will lovingly be laid to rest at Jeanette's side, with final military honors.

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks and gratitude to our father's care givers: Louise, Mentha, Valerie, Kim and Mary who provided our father with exceptional care and love. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be given to Bethel Baptist Church or Bryan's First United Methodist's Church (Senior Men's Bible Class).

Remember Bud Jones—and share your stories of him—at www.hillierfuneralhome.com.