Henry Jean Jones

Henry Jean Jones, the epitome of "The Greatest Generation", passed away in his daughter's home in Abilene, Texas, on April 9, 2014, at the age of 90. Graveside services will be held at the Knox City Cemetery on Friday, April 11th, at 10:00 a.m. under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home.
Henry was born in his grandmother Spikes' home in Benjamin, Texas, on November 3, 1923, to Henry Martin Jones and Emma Jean Spikes Jones. He grew up in Knox City, Texas and graduated from high school there in 1941 where he played football and saxophone in the band. He loved the freedom he had to roam the land of Knox County hunting and fishing, which remained two of his favorite pastimes throughout his life.
Henry continued his education at Abilene Christian College on a band scholarship, and it was there he heard the news that Pearl Harbor had been attacked. Upon his mother's request, he waited until his next birthday to join the United States Marines Corps. After successfully completing Officer Candidate School and attaining the rank of Second Lieutenant, he was assigned the role of 60mm mortar platoon commander in I Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Marines, 6th Marine Division. Henry was in the initial wave of amphibious landings during the battle of Okinawa, where he led his platoon in combat until being shot by a sniper. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his wound, and after recuperating on Guam he participated in the emancipation of China from occupying Japanese forces. He left active duty in 1946, but remained in the Marine Corps Reserve and was later promoted to the rank of Captain.
After WWII, Henry finished his Education degree at ACC and subsequently enrolled at the University of Texas, Austin, where he met the love of his life, Margaret Emma Ford, affectionately known as "Peggy". The two were married in Athens, Texas, in August of 1948. During the early years of their marriage, Henry taught school in Round Rock, Texas, and also worked as a pharmaceutical salesman while Peggy finished her degree. He later owned and operated a drugstore in Crowell, Texas, until he was recalled to active duty in 1950 for the Korean Conflict. Henry and Peggy moved to Parris Island, South Carolina, where he served as a training company commander until the armistice agreement was signed.
After the conflict, Henry completed his Pharmacy degree at the University of Texas and moved his family back to Knox City where he joined his father operating the family business, Jones Drug. Several years later, his younger sister, Martha, would return to Knox City and they renamed the store HM Jones Pharmacy, which Henry operated until 1996.
Henry served on the Knox City School Board for 19 years, and served extended terms on the Knox County Hospital Board, the Board of Directors of Citizens State Bank, and was a member of the Knox City Chamber of Commerce. He was a lifelong member of the Knox City Church of Christ.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Martha, and his wife Peggy. He is survived by his five daughters and their families: Emmy Jones, Beth Carlberg, and Martha Jones of Lubbock; Adrian and Neal Cheek of Abilene; Sarah and Dave Roye of Carrollton; and Nancy and Greg Huber of Monahans. He was affectionately known as "Dede" by his grandchildren: Tyler and wife Rachel Brothers of Austin; Sarah Kate Brothers of Abilene; Blake Roye of Carrollton; and Christian, Peggy and son Charley, Jordon, Emilie, and Jack Huber of Monahans.
Henry is loved, respected, and admired by all who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him. Exemplifying the Marine Corps motto, he was "Semper Fidelis", Always Faithful, to his family, friends, church, and country. His legacy of integrity, hard work, honesty, and sacrifice will live on in the countless lives that he positively impacted.