Robert W. Jones

Robert Wesley Jones (known to most as Bob) passed away Monday, June 20, 2016, in Weslaco, Texas. He was 91 years old. Bob was born in Muenster, Texas on July 28, 1924. He grew up - along with his three brothers - on a farm outside of Gainesville, Texas near the small community of Hood. He attended Gainesville High School and graduated in 1942. After high school, Bob joined the Navy and served in the Naval Air Corps during World War II. At the time the war ended, Bob was training as a bombardier using the then-classified Norden Bombsight. When the war ended in 1945, Bob left the Navy to marry his childhood sweetheart, Virginia Frances (Frankie) Davis. They were married in Gainesville. Shortly thereafter, he enrolled at Texas Tech University and graduated with a BBA degree in 1949. Throughout his life, he was an avid Red Raider fan. Bob spent many years working in the oil and gas industry as a sales representative with the Sinclair Oil Corporation and later the Atlantic Richfield Company. In 1972, Bob left the Atlantic Richfield Company and began his own business (R.W. Jones Wholesale) in Weslaco as an oil and gas distributor for Texaco. He was also instrumental in helping his wife, Frankie, establish herself as a highly regarded antique dealer (This & That Antiques) in Weslaco. While in business, Bob was very active in the business community and served as president of the Rotary Club. Bob and Frankie were also active and dedicated members of the First Baptist Church of Edcouch where Bob was a deacon and Sunday school teacher. Bob had a deep religious faith and loved the Lord. In the early 1990's, Frankie was diagnosed with chronic leukemia, which hastened Bob and Frankie's retirement. Bob lovingly, patiently and tirelessly cared for Frankie during her illness until her death in 1997. In 1998, Bob married the second love of his life, Phyllis A. House of Webb City, Missouri. Bob and Phyllis split their time each year between their homes in Weslaco and Webb City, and they loved traveling and spending time in Branson, Missouri. In 2004, Bob and Phyllis moved into John Knox Village in Weslaco where they have enjoyed many activities and have acquired many, many good friends. Bob and Phyllis have been active members of the First Baptist Church of Weslaco, and have enjoyed involvement in the Cowboy Church of the Valley (founded by Bob's grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Chris and Tracy O'Loughlin). Bob was preceded in death by his first wife, Frankie; his parents, Willie Edgar Jones and Nancy Irene (Welch) Jones; his three brothers, Lee Jones, Dub Jones, and Edward Jones; and his son-in-law, Bill Ed O'Loughlin. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; his daughter, Virginia O'Loughlin; his sons, David Jones (Sheryl) and Bobby Jones (Laura); his stepdaughter, Sherri Weeg (Chip); his stepson, Howard House, Jr. (Joann); 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be Jeff O'Loughlin, Chris O'Loughlin, Sean O'Loughlin, Davis Jones, John Welch, and William Welch. The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Sunday, June 26, 2016, at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco. Funeral services will be held at 10:00am Monday, June 27, 2016, in the chapel of McCaleb Funeral Home, 900 W. 4th St., Weslaco, Texas. Officiating the service will be Rev. Chris O'Loughlin, Pastor of Cowboy Church of the Valley. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park, 6705 North FM 88, Weslaco, Texas. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Cowboy Church of the Valley, P.O. Box 796, Weslaco, TX 78599-0796