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Marvin Claude Jones, Jr. was born in Dallas, TX, and grew up in
Minneola, where he became a rangy and relaxed Texan with a slow drawl and a
quick wit. Unsure of the direction he should take in life, Marv went to college
for one year at East Texas Baptist College and for another year at Baylor
University before enlisting in the Air Force. Finding military life to his
liking, Marv sought and received an appointment to join the West Point Class of
1954.
His size, calm disposition, and great “down home” sense of humor
combined to make him a perfect “flanker.” His appreciation of the English
language made him a candidate for spring turn-outs in Yearling year. He passed
the exam, settled down, and began his weight-lifting career. He could lift 50
pounds in either hand and complete one armed push-ups by the dozen on either
arm. He moved confidently through his remaining cadet years. Marv graduated with
a respectable number in the general order of merit.
Commissioned in the Signal Corps, 2LT Marvin C. Jones reported
for duty at Ft. Hood, TX, where he was fortunate enough to meet Maurine
McClelland, who lived nearby and taught school in Belton, TX. He and Maurine,
who shared many values and interests, fell in love and were married in Houston.
The newlyweds were transferred to Ft. Polk for a few months, then Marv was
ordered to Tokyo, Japan. Maurine joined him in 1956. Their first child, Sandra
Juanita, was born in Japan in October of 1956. Tokyo was the family’s last Army
duty station. Marv resigned in 1957 and took his young family to Austin, TX.
Marv attended college in Austin and earned an electrical
engineering degree from the University of Texas. While there, a second daughter,
Nancy Elizabeth, joined the family. Marv accepted a position with Collins Radio
and moved to Richardson, TX, for one year before applying for a Civil Service
position. In 1960, Marv decided to make his contribution to the nation’s defense
by working as a government scientist at Redstone Arsenal, home of the Army
Missile Command, in Huntsville, AL. The Jones family moved for the last time,
and Marv began a career that spanned 25 years and permitted him to deal with a
myriad of missile-related mysteries. His professional life supported his growing
family to which his daughter Margaret Elaine and sons Kenneth David and Steven
Paul were welcomed between 1961 and 1967.
The shared values that brought Marvin and Maurine together in
1955 had shaped a flourishing family that grew to include five grandchildren and
two great-grandchildren. He was an avid reader throughout his life, always
seeking answers and sharing his knowledge with his family members. Marvin was a
very responsible, loyal, and caring person who never said a mean word. He
inspired his children to develop similar values. His love of his family was
returned many fold by those who cherished his spirit and reflected his Christian
values.
He passed away on 1 May 2006 at the age of 76. Marvin will be
remembered as a loving and faithful husband, father, and concerned citizen, who
performed outstanding service for his nation.
Be thou at peace.
—Marv’s family and company mates
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