Roll Call Tribute
Otha Jones '54 July 2, 2021 2:30 PM updated: July 2, 2021 2:36 PM
Otha L. Jones
April 16, 1932 - June 2, 2021
Otha was born in Gatesville Texas son of Otha and Lela Jones, one of five children, sister Dorothy, and brothers Clarence, Don, and Kenneth. He was raised in nearby Waco Texas. He graduated from Waco High School. He attended two years at Arlington College before becoming a proud Aggie and graduating Texas A &M with an Engineering Degree in 1954. In 1955 he joined the Army. After leaving the military he went to work for the Texas Highway Department and became a licensed engineer.
Otha met Blair during his college years and they were married on December 4, 1954, shortly after his graduation from Texas A&M. After a few years as a military family they settled back near their parents in Waco to start their family.
In 1962 Otha took a new job with Martin Marietta relocating his family, Blair, and their four children, 1500 miles away to the little town of Santa Maria California. This was just a short drive away from Vandenberg AFB. That short drive lasted 29 years. His career at Martin kept him very busy, working on many different projects including the Titian and later the Shuttle program. He earned the nickname Juice. In later years while at VAFB he became Director and was very proud to have worked with so many talented people.
Otha filled his time away from work serving his community, church, and family in many ways. While his four children, Mark, Christopher, Stacey, and Bradley, were in school, he joined the local school board, even serving as Board President. He later volunteered his time at the Mussel Center, assisting seniors in the preparation of their yearly taxes.
Otha served on many committees and boards at his church, First United Methodist Church in downtown Santa Maria, where he and Blair worshipped weekly and sang in the choir. He worked for years with Habitat For Humanity. Helping to build four homes in his community. After Katrina, he traveled with a small group from church to New Orleans to help with the disaster cleanup.
If Otha was not on the base or at the church he could be found helping one of his children or a friend with one of their building projects too many to list.
Otha is survived by his wife of 67 years Blair Jones, his children, Mark (Beth), Christopher (Lydia), Stacey (Jim), Brad (Melody), 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their thanks to all who lifted us in prayer and those who helped with Othas care. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at the First United Methodist Church at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church 311 S. Broadway SM.
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April 16, 1932 - June 2, 2021
Otha was born in Gatesville Texas son of Otha and Lela Jones, one of five children, sister Dorothy, and brothers Clarence, Don, and Kenneth. He was raised in nearby Waco Texas. He graduated from Waco High School. He attended two years at Arlington College before becoming a proud Aggie and graduating Texas A &M with an Engineering Degree in 1954. In 1955 he joined the Army. After leaving the military he went to work for the Texas Highway Department and became a licensed engineer.
Otha met Blair during his college years and they were married on December 4, 1954, shortly after his graduation from Texas A&M. After a few years as a military family they settled back near their parents in Waco to start their family.
In 1962 Otha took a new job with Martin Marietta relocating his family, Blair, and their four children, 1500 miles away to the little town of Santa Maria California. This was just a short drive away from Vandenberg AFB. That short drive lasted 29 years. His career at Martin kept him very busy, working on many different projects including the Titian and later the Shuttle program. He earned the nickname Juice. In later years while at VAFB he became Director and was very proud to have worked with so many talented people.
Otha filled his time away from work serving his community, church, and family in many ways. While his four children, Mark, Christopher, Stacey, and Bradley, were in school, he joined the local school board, even serving as Board President. He later volunteered his time at the Mussel Center, assisting seniors in the preparation of their yearly taxes.
Otha served on many committees and boards at his church, First United Methodist Church in downtown Santa Maria, where he and Blair worshipped weekly and sang in the choir. He worked for years with Habitat For Humanity. Helping to build four homes in his community. After Katrina, he traveled with a small group from church to New Orleans to help with the disaster cleanup.
If Otha was not on the base or at the church he could be found helping one of his children or a friend with one of their building projects too many to list.
Otha is survived by his wife of 67 years Blair Jones, his children, Mark (Beth), Christopher (Lydia), Stacey (Jim), Brad (Melody), 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their thanks to all who lifted us in prayer and those who helped with Othas care. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at the First United Methodist Church at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church 311 S. Broadway SM.
© 2021 Legacy.com All rights Reserved
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