Bobbie Lee Jones

On Thursday, February 6, 2020, Col. Bobbie L. Jones, Honored Air Force Colonel and loving father of three, grandfather of five and great-grandfather of four quietly passed away. Bobbie was born on September 27, 1933 in Blair, Oklahoma to Russell and Juanita (Archer) Jones. He was the Valor Victorian of his high school class in Blair and then completed his bachelor degree in Engineering from Oklahoma University. During his time at OU he played for the varsity baseball team. His favorite position was shortstop.

After graduation, he joined the Air Force and began what was to become a 30 year long distinguished career. He was honored with many, many decorations and medals. Some of which are Master Space Badge, Meritorious Service Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal with one bronze oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with six bronze oak leaf cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Space Badge and the Legion of Merit. During his career he also earned his Master’s degree from Florida State University. He was in charge of some of the most prominent projects during his career, from Technical Director Aerospace Nasa Projects to Deputy to Commander of the Space Division in Los Angeles. After his Air Force career, he spent 20 years in the private sector contracting with the Federal Government on various Aerospace projects. One of the most memorable stories from career is of his time working with the creator of the jet engine, Hans von Ohain, and accompanying him to Smithsonian for the opening of the jet engine exhibit. Another, is when he was brought on to run a project to find out why satellites were not working for more than a week or two once sent to space. He put together his team of engineers, requisitioned a new satellite for the project and proceeded to deduce that the problem was a tiny little transistor that cost only dollars. He worked with the private contractor that provided the transistor to create a better product. The new transistor changed the entire satellite program saving the United States Government millions.

Bobbie was married to his first wife, Victoria (Adams) Jones, for 25 years. They raised three children, Richard Russell Jones, Kimberly Jones Tanner and Wendy Allison Jones. He was known for his charm, wit and huge smile. He was deeply loved and will forever be missed.

Bobbie was preceded in death by his father, mother, sister, Wanda June, brother, Tommie Lee and his son, Richard Russell. He is survived by his daughters, Kimberly Jones Tanner and Wendy Allison Jones, son-in-law, Jeff Tanner, grandchildren, Jake Tanner, Max Tanner, Shelby Tanner, Slater Thiesen and Piper Thiesen. Grand-daughters-in-law, Jenna Tanner and Levi Tanner. Great grandchildren, Vance Tanner, Rory Tanner, Solly Tanner and Brae Tanner. Also survived by his dear friend, Susan Perez, nephews, cousins and friends.

A funeral service with Full Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, March 4th, 2020 at the Riverside National Cemetery at 11:00 am – Please meet at staging area # 1 when you arrive. Flowers can be sent to 42660 Rio Nedo, Temecula, CA 92590.