Robert Kenneth Jones

Robert Kenneth Jones, aged 99, of Arlington, Texas passed away peacefully at his home on June 3, 2026.

Ken was born at home in San Benito, Texas on January 21, 1927. Ken was proceeded in death by his father Roy Bradford Jones, his mother Martha Adeline Murphy, his sisters (Myra, Velda, Ann, Billie Sue), his brother Harold and his grandson Bret Thurman.

Ken is survived by his beautiful, devoted, and loving wife of 75 years, Dorothy Nell (Huff) Jones; daughter Janelle Thurman and her husband Reggie Thurman of Arlington, Texas; daughter Kathy Stone and her husband Steve Stone of Mint Hill, North Carolina; five grandchildren - Derek Thurman (wife Megan), Marla Thurman, Zachary Stone, Joshua Stone, and Christopher Stone (wife Sevin); nine great grandchildren - Connor Thurman, Logan Thurman, Camryn Thurman, Sullivan Thurman, (children of Derek and Megan); River Stone, Rain Stone, Sage Stone (children of Christopher and Sevin), Bruce Thurman (son of Bret and Crystal Miller); and Marisol Thurman (daughter of Marla).

At 17 years of age, Ken answered his nation’s call to service by joining the United States Navy in 1944. Following boot camp, Ken was assigned to serve on the USS Colorado BB-45, a mighty battleship in the United States Navy. During his time aboard the ship, the USS Colorado supported the landings on Tarawa, the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Guam, and Tinian.

On July 24, 1944, during the shelling of Tinian, the USS Colorado received 22 shell hits from shore batteries.

She later supported operations in Okinawa and in Leyte Gulf where on November 27 she was hit by two kamikazes. The USS Colorado participated in the pre-invasion bombardments of Luzon in Lingayen Gulf.

On August 27 the USS Colorado sailed into Tokyo Bay. On September 2, 1945, from his assigned post aboard the USS Colorado, Ken watched the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surender aboard the USS Missouri, ending the War.

During World War II, the USS Colorado BB-45 earned seven battle stars in the Pacific Theater. Ken experienced some of the most brutal fighting onboard the ship, creating memories he never forgot. Ken was always proud of his service in the Pacific during World War II and was always willing to share stories of the time he spent onboard.

Following his War service, Ken worked a couple of jobs before going to Texas Christian University where in 1955 he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Education. He began working for the Fort Worth Independent School District and for the next 25 years, he taught high school history classes at Trimble Tech, Eastern Hills, Dunbar, and O.D. Wyatt High Schools, incorporating his own experiences in his teaching.

Ken was a faithful member of the church of Christ. He served as an Elder at the Handley Church of Christ and the Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ. He was a great example of a man who strove to be a good servant of Christ, and set an example to his family. We are confident he will hear the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord.”

Ken’s family will miss him but we rejoice in knowing he is home with Our Lord and free of pain and suffering. Until we meet again Papaw, we love you!

In lieu of cards and/or flowers, the family requests you consider a donation in Ken’s name to the “Hearts and Hands Food Pantry” https://heartsandhandsfoodpantry.harnessgiving.org/donate/ or the media outreach program, “In Search of the Lord’s Way.” https://www.searchtv.org/formdonation.html