Harold Eugene Jones

KILLEEN, Harold Eugene Jones, 81, of Killeen died August 19, 2014, at his home. Funeral Mass for Harold will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, August 27, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Killeen, Chaplains Eke and Van Durme as celebrants. Interment will follow at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, at Crawford Bowers Funeral Home in Killeen. Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

Harold Jones was born in Yuma, Arizona, on February 25, 1933, where he lived with his parents, Clyde Jones and Lenora Long, until joining the United States Army in 1953. He met his wife, Connie, while both were in the U.S. Army and married in 1956. Harold and Connie enjoyed 50 years of marriage before her passing in 2006. They had four children. Harold retired from the military in 1979 after 26 years of honorable service and two tours in Vietnam. He served and led valiantly throughout his military career achieving the rank of Master Sergeant and earning the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Occupation Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Bronze Service Medals, Combat Infantryman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with palm, Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Meritorious Unit Citation, Good Conduct Medal, and the Expert Rifleman Badge. Following his time in the Service, Harold worked as a manager in a local restaurant where he later retired. In 1987, Harold earned an Associate in Applied Science from Central Texas College.

Harold is recognized for the love, strength, and dedication he shared with his family, friends, and those he worked with or supervised over the years. He also contributed to improving situations for citizens and neighborhoods through his membership in the Knights of Columbus, Blackhorse Association of Vietnam and Cambodia, Celebrate Killeen Committee, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and The American Legion. He received numerous certificates of appreciation for his service in these organizations. He loved to play cards, golf, and bowl, playing on leagues in the U.S. and overseas. More recently, Bingo was Harold’s pastime where he enjoyed the challenge and the comraderies.

The family recognizes the morning staff and patrons of Henderson’s Family Restaurant in downtown Killeen where Harold spent almost every morning for breakfast and enjoyed many friendships.

Harold Jones is survived by two sons, Reginald Jones of Harker Heights and Timothy Jones of Liberty Hill, two daughters, Michele Carter of Killeen and Gabrielle Jones of Austin; two granddaughters, Jasmine and Trinity Carter, and siblings Louise Mims of Phoenix Arizona, Lucille Thomas of San Diego California, Leotha Britt and Jonathan Roy Jones, both of Phoenix, Arizona, and Carolyn Walker of Goodyear, Arizona; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Connie Jones, parents Clyde Jones and Lenora Long, and two siblings, Clyde Jones Jr. and Genevieve Jones.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Phone: (800)822-6344.