Thomas E. Jones

Thomas E. Jones, 85, a lifelong resident of Friona, passed away in Amarillo on April 23, 2016 after a long illness. Tommy was born on March 16,1931 in Friona to Opal (O.C.) and Ruth Jones. He attended Friona schools, where he was an FFA Lone Star Farmer his senior year. During his teen years he had a small dairy operation, and sold fresh milk and eggs to neighbors. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict, being stationed at Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska during much of that time. He had a passion for mechanics and farming. He farmed in the Friona area for over 50 years, and he himself built many of the implements he used in farming. He was an expert mechanic, and even built a small car from scratch while in high school at age 16. He married the love of his life, Wanda Beaty, on September 24, 1954 at Friona United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Wanda in 2013. Of the many special times of his life, two that stand out are that he was given the opportunity to go back to Alaska with his children in 2014, and he was able to spend the past few months in Florida with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren before returning home in March. He is survived by two sons, Dr. Joe E. Jones and wife Christy of Santa Fe, NM, and John D. Jones of Amarillo, and a daughter, Marilyn Harkey and husband Captain Deon Harkey, USN (Retired) of Melbourne, Fl; Grandchildren, Caitlin Pelletier and husband Tim of Melbourne, Fl, Traci Blaze and husband Chris, and great-grandchildren Elle and Parks Blaze, of Tampa, Fl; sister, Eva Lou Rector and husband Floyd of Lubbock; and a large number of other relatives and friends. Special thanks to lifelong friends Tommie Mercer, Tim Mercer, Leesa and Steve Stephens, the Lewis Gore Family, and the Billy John Thorn Family of Lazbuddie, and to very special friends Esme, Nely, Gabi, and Gerardo Barrandey, Pat Holland, Mike Lamb, David Smith, and Donna Salter. A memorial service will be held in Friona at a future date. Please check the Cox Funeral Home website for updates. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Tommy's name to the Wanda Jones Scholarship Fund at First National Bank Hereford, Friona Branch, the Friona Senior Citizens Center, or Friona UMC.