Celebrating the Life of Donald R. Jones

Sunrise: January 19,1941 Sunset: September 23, 2025

Visitation: Saturday October 11, 2025, 10:30 am to 11 am

Service: Saturday October 11, 2025, 11am Goodwill Baptist Church, FM 1362 Caldwell, Texas

The story of Donald Jones began in Teal’s Prairie, (Caldwell), Texas, where he was born to a Baptist preacher, civil servant and a local businesswoman. He was the oldest of seven children. In the Teal’s Prairie community, the family learned lessons of faith, and ranching, as well as to have compassion for your fellow man. Donald enjoyed going to church and hearing his father speak of The Most Compassionate One of all, Jesus. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined New Hope Church in the Teal’s Prairie community.

Then Peter and the apostles answered and said, “we ought to obey God rather men”. -Acts 5:29
As years passed, his father would ask. “How’s your church work?”
“, which translated to: “Are you serving your fellow man?” Donald kept that in the back of his mind wherever he went. As a high school student, he was a quick student of ranching and joined the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He raised and showed prize-winning livestock. Part of his prize winnings was an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the annual FFA Competition. There were many other awards as a result of his livestock production. He attended 4H Club Summer Camp as a teenager, and met another teenager, Gladys Erwin.

He was 16 and she was 14. The camp ended and they lost touch after returning to their hometowns. Donald went on to graduate from Smith High School with letters in Sports for football and basketball. He decided to attend Prairie View A & M University to pursue Veterinary Medicine/Agriculture. He had his sights on becoming a veterinarian.
Upon arriving on campus and checking into Freshman Orientation, he saw someone familiar…Gladys Erwin! They were equally surprised to see each other and quickly became inseparable. They both worked on campus, but found time to share meals, and talk about their dreams and aspirations.

Gladys worked in the Campus Library and Donald as a Resident Advisor. He began developing his business savvy by offering students necessary supplemental items – change for vending machines, bar soap, and a typewriter for rental. Gladys partnered with him by being the typewriter courier since she was centrally located at the library. They forged the ultimate partnership and married after graduation. Gladys accepted a Teaching position in her hometown of Lufkin, Texas. Don heard from one of the many Federal positions he had applied for. His entire career was made up of two positions – Federal Meat Grader with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and Director of Quality Control at Amity Meat Packing Company.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. -Corinthians 13:1

Donald’s career started as a Federal Meat Grader. He was also a member of the AFGE (American Federation of Government Employees) Union. He was an officer in the Employees Union. During his time at USDA, he received more knowledge about the business of Agriculture and was selected to attend Quality Control training. It was his attention to detail, compassion for people, and quick grasp of the QC material that opened the door to his second position. He left the Department of Agriculture to be the Director of Quality Control at Amity Meat Packing Company. Don retired from both positions, after 20 years of service at each.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11

Donald, Gladys and Donna initially came to Chicago when Don accepted a transfer from his initial assignment. Five years later, Elliott came along and completed the family. They found their way to Beth Eden Baptist Church on a referral from one of their new neighbors. They joined and immediately went to work serving the Church and congregation through several ministries: The Brotherhood, The Usher Ministry, Trustees, The Strategic Planning Ministry and The Social Service Ministry. He was taught that the business of the Church was to be ‘decent and in order’. He didn’t have to belong to a ministry to be an extra set of hands on a project. He loved people, and he loved his church! For a long time, he gave the Visitors’ Welcome, weaving in his favorite phrase, “Something Good is Going to Happen to You” into his opening remarks.

His love for people and community was noted with the Prairie View Alumni Association as a Lifetime Member and served as Chicago chapter President. He and Gladys showed their community support by starting block clubs and school parent clubs, promoting unity of voice and looking out for your neighbors as key considerations. Ever the savy businessman, he and Gladys attached to the Roseland Community since his first retirement and remain business owners there.
A good name is chosen than great riches, and favor his better than silver or gold. – Proverbs 22:1
He plowed snow for the Church and other businesses in the Beverly & Morgan Park area. Another one of his ventures were huge garage/yard sales; these became his ‘Claim to Fame’, where he allowed customers to put items on lay-a-way, if needed. Don Jones, ever the entrepreneur, was not going to let an opportunity pass him by.

His keen eye wasn’t limited to just agriculture or the human condition. He was also intrigued by how things worked and was a huge fan of the annual Auto Show. He loved cars! With an almost photographic memory, he could describe each new car’s amenities and features. He also enjoyed golfing, until his health challenges moved him to the Gallery. He even met Tiger Woods during his time as Volunteer Golf Instructor for Chicago Public Schools. His never ceasing love of the land is demonstrated thru the beautiful hostas he and Gladys cultivated and planted outside Beth Eden Church, and which also adorn their businesses entryway.
Don always remembered his Texas roots and stayed in close touch. Those who knew him well knew he didn’t travel far without his hat or beloved cowboy boots, even in Chicago. He was an “Urban Cowboy”.
His annual vacation was to go ‘Down South’ to he and Gladys’ hometowns showing Elliott and Donna where and how they grew up. He missed the freedom that country living offered. When the opportunity availed itself, he picked up a ‘lil place in the country’ for the family.
O Death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?- Corinthians 15:55
Donald’s parents, Dolphus Nolan and Emma Ophelia, and brother Isaiah Russell, preceded him in death.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Gladys, their children, Donna and Elliott (Tara), Godson Eric Askew (Talonda), grandchildren Jared, John and Jordan; Don’s siblings, all residing in Texas: Yvonne Johnson (Bill), Audrey Ali, Lillian George, Zudia Green (Freddie and Bill (Johnita), along with a host of nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. Last but not least, his horses, Miss Kitty, Granny’s Baby, Cindy and Popcorn Money will miss spending time with their human dad.
He was many things to many people. His presence will truly be missed.