Paul Russell Jones

Paul Russell Jones, a long-time resident of Pampa, Texas, passed away on Friday, July 28th after a brief illness. He was 87 years of age. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors of Pampa.  Paul was born in the Laketon community in 1930 to Flora Mae (Russell) and Ray Jones. In his youth, he lived and worked on the family farm, and attended school in Laketon, Mobeetie, and Pampa. When he started his own family, he chose Pampa as his home.  Paul worked at the Pampa Fire Department for 31 years and retired as the Fire Chief. Outside of his work, he loved motorcycles and airplanes, and enjoyed countless hours tinkering in his garage and hangar. He was a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, and built and flew his own home-built aircraft for many years.  He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rose Jones, and his brother, Ray Jones. Additionally, Paul is survived by two sons, Hugh Jones of Murfreesboro, TN and Keith Jones of Austin; his daughter Kellie Jones Garrett of Lubbock; two step-daughters, Mary Whatley of Pampa, and Sylvia Velasquez of Amarillo. Paul was blessed with a large extended family that includes 14 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.  Paul is preceded in death by his parents, and his former wife, Carol Hunter Jones.  Per Paul’s wishes, he will be cremated and no final service is planned.