Donald Pickren Jones

Major Donald P. Jones USAF Retired (Reserve), age 89, passed peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 26, 2010 in Miami, Oklahoma, where he made his home for many years. He was born to Walter Thomas Jones and Johny Thelma (Pickren) Jones on December 3, 1920 in Cassville, Missouri. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps July 2, 1942 and was called to active duty April 15, 1944. He was discharged from active duty Oct. 16, 1945 as 2nd Lt. He retired from USAF Reserve as Major at age 60. While in USAF Donald was pilot and flew bombers while in active duty. Afterwards Don was pilot instructor in the reserves. Donald married Mary Ellen Finks Sept. 23, 1944 and celebrated 50 years of marriage in 19994. Born to this marriage was three children; Linda Vanderhoff, Indio, CA, Deborah Brill, La Quinta, CA, and Donald T. Jones, Speedway, IN. His first wife of 53 years passed away in June 1998. Don and family made their home at 825 G NW from 1945 to present and had a close neighbor for 65 years, Bessie Bell Wagoner, who Don called BB. Don enjoyed going to races with his kids where they raced midget cars and won many trophies. He was a member of the Business Men's Sunday School Class. Don enjoyed going to coffee with longtime friends. His second marriage was to Noveda B. Collins on June 28, 1999. They spent the next eleven years enjoying each other. They met at a senior center dance on Labor Day. They also attended dances at the American Legion. With this marriage Don gained four more children, Daraline Golden and husband James of Bluejacket, Phyllis Goodman and husband Charles, Fairland, Rockie Shinn and wife Susan, Coffeyville, Kansas, Jimmy Shinn and Mary, Maimi; fourteen grandchildren; twenty great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.The family will receive friends for visitation on Friday October 29, 2010 from 6-8 Pm at Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Saturday October 30, 2010 at First Christian Church, Miami with Pastor Leon Weece officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Abbey Cemetery. The family has chosen Robert Simons with Cooper-Althouse Funeral Home, Miami. Online guestbook and condolences are avalible at www.cooperalthousefuneralhome.com

Donald Pickren Jones

December 3, 1920 - October 26, 2010