Howard G Jones

Howard (Tink) Guy Jones, 85, of Fort Gibson, OK, passed away on August 22, 2019 at home surrounded by his family. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday August 25, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee, OK. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday August 26, 2019 at First Baptist Church in Fort Gibson, OK with Pastor Billy Parker, Brother Bob Dewoody and Chaplain Sam Garner officiating. Burial will follow immediately at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery. Arrangements are by Cornerstone Funeral Home in Muskogee, OK. Tink was born in Ballard, OK to John Wesley and Mary Lee Anna Jones on August 31, 1933. He graduated from Watts High School in 1952. He went on to earn his associates degree from Connors State College in 1976. He married Darlene Hester his wife of nearly 62 years on September 6, 1957 in Tulsa, OK. He joined the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1962 and retired in 1987 with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant with over 25 years of service. His years of service and dedication to the OHP remained a source of great pride throughout his lifetime. In March 2019 he was recognized for fifty years of membership in the Oklahoma Sheriff’s and Peace Officer’s Association. He was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the United States Army from 1954 - 1957 as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, 505th Infantry Division where he achieved the rank of Corporal. As members of Fellowship Bible Church in Fort Gibson, OK he and Darlene thoroughly enjoyed their church family. More than anything he enjoyed gathering with family and friends no matter the occasion. Following the Fort Gibson Tiger Basketball Teams provided some of his best memories in his later years. He also enjoyed traveling, reading, and cooking. Tink is preceded in death by his parents, daughter Patty Lou, brothers Ralph Jones, Charles Jones, Robert Jones, and Bill Jones, brothers in laws Arnold Hester, Danny Hester, Vaden Hester, and Ronnie Hester. Tink is survived by wife Darlene of the home, daughter Linda Clinkenbeard and husband Brad of Fort Gibson, son Tracy (T.J.) Jones and wife Lisa of Fort Gibson, brothers Kenneth Jones and wife Linda of Watts, OK, Vernon Jones and wife Sandy of Casselberry, FL, and sister Linda Jackson of Watts, OK. Grandchildren include Payton and Emerson Jones of Fort Gibson, grandsons Adam Clinkenbeard and wife Brandy of Owasso, OK and Jared Clinkenbeard of Fort Gibson. Great Grandchildren Karleigh Clinkenbeard of Stillwater, OK, Sam, Anna, and Ben Clinkenbeard of Owasso, OK, and Isis and Sebastian Clinkenbeard of Muskogee, OK. Sisters in laws Joyce Hester, Barbara Hester, and Ardella Hester. Brother in law Bentz Hester and wife Dorthy along with many nieces and nephews. Pallbearers will be members of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Fellowship Bible Church of Fort Gibson. The family of Tink wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the many family, friends, Troopers, and medical professionals who visited and/or cared for Tink during his final months at home and in the hospital. We would also like to acknowledge and thank the staff of the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center, 5th floor rehabilitation unit, in Muskogee for their kindness and compassion to both Tink and his family.

Howard G Jones

August 31, 1933 - August 22, 2019