Master Sergeant Glen Roger Jones

Glen Roger Jones, 88, passed away Saturday, March 5, 2022. Born in Mt. Airy, N.C., he was the son of the late William Glenn Jones and Callie Blanche Akers Jones. He proudly served his country as an airplane mechanic and missile maintenance technician for 24 years in the US Air Force retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant (MSgt).

He had many assignments to include: Tyndall AFB, FL; Fairchild AFB, WA; Homestead AFB, FL; Robins AFB, GA; McCoy AFB, FL; Barksdale AFB, LA; a temporary duty assignment at Goose Bay AFB, Labrador, Newfoundland, and served in the Korean War. He had impressive accolades at each one. His decorations include: the Air Force Commendation Medal (AFCM), Air Force Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal with a bronze service star, Korean Service Military Medal, Vietnam Service Military Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with four oak leaf clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and United Nations Korean Service Medal.

Early in his career MSgt Jones contributed to highly sensitive programs to facilitate the US Air Force’s transition from propeller to jet propulsion, and support the advancement of intercontinental missile command and control from ballistic to guided targeting.

The citation that accompanied his award of the AFCM upon retirement stated: “Master Sergeant Glen R. Jones distinguished himself by meritorious service while assigned to the 2nd Organizational Maintenance Squadron and the 4002nd Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, 2nd Bombardment Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, from 29 November 1973 to 30 June 1976. During this period, Sergeant Jones demonstrated exemplary leadership, personal endeavor and devotion to duty which contributed immeasurably to the success of the 2nd Bombardment Wing.

Through his astute management, policies and procedures, all aspects of his maintenance activity were outstanding. The maintenance scheduling effectiveness was remarkably high, consistently surpassing Strategic Air Command standards for maintenance. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Jones culminate a distinguished career in the service of his country and reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”

At a young age until his passing, Glen was a master wood craftsman known for his incredible furniture creations.

He lived most of his AF retirement in Orlando, FL working several years at a workshop for the disabled teaching them safe woodworking skills.

Surviving are his children Debra Hughes and son-in-law Terrill (TX); Scott Jones and daughter-in-law Tabitha (AZ); grandchildren Weston Hughes (TX) and Ashley Jones Lucas and spouse Tony (AZ), four great grandchildren of Ashley and Tony; Preston, Aron, Kendall, and Georgia; son-in-law Raymond Short III (GA), and a niece and nephews.

In addition to his parents and sisters Margaret Polnar and M. Katherine Canzona, he was predeceased in death by his wife Darla Diane Mann Jones, daughters Paula and Mary Jones Short, and his grandson Alan Hughes. The family wishes to thank Elaine Henderson for her amazing love, care and support to Glen after the passing of his beloved wife Darla. Elaine was instrumental in making sure he experienced the best quality of life possible during his last years of life in Columbia, SC. Elaine’s husband, Jim and Glen served together early in their military careers. Jim and Elaine became best friends of Glen and Darla.

His remains will be interred with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, TX.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Northeast Chapel, assisted the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.