Graveside services and interment for William G. “Hap” Jones, 89, of Purcell were held Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Hillside Cemetery in Purcell. The services were under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home in Purcell.
Mr. Jones passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021.
Hap was born June 16, 1931 in Iowa Park, Texas, a twin and one of five children born to Carl and Zettie Jones. He spent his early childhood near Jumbo, Okla., and graduated from Moyers High School in 1949.
Hap joined the United States Air Force where he graduated basic and AIT as the top of the cook school, and served his country proudly during the Korean War.
After being honorably discharged he moved to Purcell, where he met Janis Huddleston. They married December 16, 1955, and established their home west of Purcell, where together Hap and Jan raised their four children, Mark, Gregg, Carla and Shelly.
Hap loved his family! He was a hard worker, an excellent provider, and a great example. He taught his children and grandchildren important lessons - to help those who needed a little assistance, that any job worth doing was worth doing well, and the value of standing by your word.
Hap was a long-time member of Union Hill Baptist Church where you would often find him performing various activities: taking Sunday School attendance, cooking for the men’s prayer breakfast, making a needed repair to the building, or holding the back pew in the sanctuary firmly in place.
Hap was employed for more than 30 years as a civilian at Tinker Air Force Base where he began work in the machine shop, eventually retiring as Section Chief over Accessories. He was recognized throughout his career for many accomplishments, including receiving the 1979 Air Force Maintenance Effectiveness Award and 1979-80 Air Force Meritorious Civilian Service Award, the fourth highest award granted to civilian personnel by the Department of the Air Force.
Hap knew two speeds: working hard and resting. When he wasn’t on the job, he worked hard with construction - building barns, houses, roofing projects and volunteering with the Union Baptist Association Mission Builders. He also worked hard when he was “relaxing” - gardening, fishing, hunting or playing dominos. After working hard, he often enjoyed a good nap - it didn’t matter if it was on the couch, on the floor, or on a porch swing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janis Jones and his twin brother, Pee Wee Jones; two sisters, Estelle Whiteside and Dewayne Miller; four brothers-in-law, Herbert Whiteside, Glen Branton, Homer Miller and Roy Huddleston and his parents, Carl and Zettie Jones.
Hap leaves behind his sons, Chaplain (LTC-RET) S. Mark Jones and wife, Chaplain (COL) Carron A. Jones, of Fort Huachuca, Ariz., and Curtis Gregg Jones of Kingston, Okla.; his daughters, Carla Davis and husband, Shawn, of Cross Plains, Texas, and Shelly Hogan and husband. Don. of Shoreline, Wash.; his daughter-in law, Melena Jones of Purcell; his sister, Jean Branton of Jones, Okla.; his sisters-in-law, Lavene Jones and JoAnn Huddleston, both of Purcell; his brothers-in-law, Bob Huddleston and wife, Marie, Dale Huddleston and wife, Malinda, and Keith Huddleston and wife, Sandy, all of Purcell; nine grandchildren, Nathan Jones, Andrea Neuberger, Harli Nabor, Shaena Jones, Jessica Moss, Skyler Davis, Michael Davis, Tanner Hogan and Lily Hogan; 11 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends.
In lieu of flowers,donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Union Baptist Association Mission Builders or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at wilsonlittle.com.
