Richard L. Jones

Born on May 28, 1943, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Richard was the beloved son of Harry and Mary Ellen Jones. He spent most of his childhood in Louisville, Kentucky, alongside his older brother, Ron, and younger sister, Joyce. He graduated from Waggener High School in 1961, where he was an active member of the basketball and track teams, and participated in the National Honor Society and the Beta Club.

Richard attended the University of Kentucky before being accepted to the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 1966. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, including serving in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969 as a Liaison Officer. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he earned numerous honors, including the Bronze Star Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Meritorious Service Medal (Second Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Silver Service Star, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with a Bronze Star. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1986, in El Paso, Texas.

On September 29, 1967, Richard married the love of his life, Linda, in Fontana, California. Their marriage was a true partnership built on deep love, fierce loyalty, and a shared sense of commitment. Together they raised their son, Scott, and created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and just the right amount of stubbornness. The family of three traveled across the United States and parts of Europe before settling permanently in El Paso in 1986 — the place Richard would proudly call home for the rest of his life.

Following his military retirement, Richard continued to serve in a different capacity, working as a Military Contract Manager for government contractors until his full retirement in 2020.

Known affectionately (and sometimes ironically) as “Dick,” he wore his nickname — and his reputation — with pride. He was strong-willed, opinionated, and unapologetically himself. With a grouchy charm, quick wit, and a sharp tongue, he could talk for hours — and often did — about movies, politics, sports, or whatever topic happened to be on his mind that day. But beneath that famously stubborn exterior was a deeply loyal, endlessly caring, and fiercely loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Dick also had a huge heart for animals, especially dogs. He had a lifelong fondness for dachshunds and German shepherds, and anyone who saw him with his pups knew that, for all his gruffness, he had a tender side reserved for his four-legged companions. Some might even say he had more patience for his dogs than for most people — and he’d probably agree with a grin.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 57 years, Linda Jones; his son, Scott Jones; his grandchildren, Michael and Samantha Wheat, Shelby Jones, and Rylan Jones; and his sister, Joyce Jones Lindsay. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Ron Jones.

A private service will be held by the family to honor and celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Disabled American Veterans (DAV).