03/09/2026
Kelly Michael Jones
Kelly Michael Jones, age 78, of the Ericksdahl community near Stamford, Texas passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026, in Abilene, Texas leaving behind a legacy of service, generosity, and dedication to his community.
Born on March 12, 1947, in Fort Worth, Texas to Raymond Byron Jones and Myrna Mills Jones. Kelly grew up with a strong sense of duty and compassion for others. He proudly served his country in the United States military before retiring with honor. His time in the service shaped the values he carried throughout the rest of his life—commitment, humility, and a deep love for his fellow man.
Kelly began his thirty-year career in the Unted States Air Force shortly after graduating from high school. He initially trained as a jet engine mechanic but soon pursued greater challenges, retraining as a Flight Engineer. Over his distinguished career, he became qualified on both the C-114 and C-130 aircraft. Kelly advanced quickly, upgrading to Instructor in minimum time and later qualifying as a Flight Examiner. His duties included pre-flight, in-flight, and post-flight operations, ensuring the safe operation of complex aircraft systems and performing repairs, when necessary-even in emergency situations. Demonstrating his ingenuity and leadership, Kelly authored a combat repair handbook to assist aircrews in making critical repairs with little to no support.
During his Air Force service, Kelly was stationed in Amarillo, Texas; Alexandria, Louisiana; the Republic of Vietnam; Wrightstown, New Jersey; Taiwan, Okinawa, Japan; and Dyes Air Force Base in Abilene, Texas. Before his final assignment in Japan, he served at Headquarters Military Airlift Command in O’Fallon, Illinois, as Chief of Flight Engineer Training and Resource Management.
After nearly 8,000 flight hours and achieving the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, Kelly retired from active duty. Among his many awards were Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Medal with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, and numerous other personal and unit commendations. One of his most memorable missions was flying the Vietnam POW negotiation team into Gia Lam Airport in Hanoi, North Vietnam, during the final days of the Vietnam War.
Of all the places he lived during his military career, Kelly often said that Abilene and the Big Country felt most like home, drawn by the warmth and spirit of the community.
After retiring from the military, Kelly embarked on a second career as Treasury Officer with First Financial Bank in Abilene, where he served for fifteen years. During that time, he helped implement and manage then-cutting-edge commercial online banking and remote deposit services. Kelly especially enjoyed working with banking professionals across many branches of First Financial Bank and helping them adopt new technologies that strengthened their operations.
Even in retirement, Kelly continued a life of service in a different but equally meaningful way. He devoted countless hours building wheelchair ramps for disabled individuals throughout the community with the Texas Ramp Project. For many families, his work meant independence, and the ability to remain safe in their homes. He was equally involved in numerous church, civic and community organizations including the Kiwanis Club, Chairman of the Church Council of Bethel Lutheran Church, Bethel Lutheran Church’s California Creek Men in Mission, and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce Redcoats. He served as Director and Vice President of the Abilene Kiwanis Club and as the Division 35 Lieutenant Governor. In Stamford, he continued his service as President of the Stamford Kiwanis Club. Kelly loved the mission of the Kiwanis Club because it served children in need. He was a avid supporter of the Chamber Redcoats as they welcomed and encouraged economic growth to Abilene. Kelly also served as Texas State President of the Air Force Association, Co-chair of the Abilene Affairs’ Committee’s “World’s Largest Barbecue,” and Chaired the Board for Meals on Wheels Plus in Abilene.
Kelly cherished his marriage and the life he shared with his beloved wife, Becky, on their farm in the rural beauty of the Ericksdahl community. Their farm was a place of hard work, laughter, and shared purpose. Kelly and Becky complimented each other in their daily lives, working side by side as true partners.
Beyond his many volunteer efforts, Kelly was known as a steady and respected presence in the community. He was always willing to lend a helping hand, share a story, or offer encouragement to neighbors and friends. His kindness, strong work ethic, and quiet generosity touched the lives of many. Kelly exemplified these qualities while assisting his wife, Becky, with the Cross Ministry she founded at Christ Lutheran Church. Together, they served faithfully, reflecting their shared commitment to faith and service. Kelly and Becky were not only husband and wife but also devoted partners and cherished companions in life. Their home was known for its warmth, hospitality, and the simple joys of rural living
Kelly’s legacy and memories will live on through his loving wife, Becky; his daughter, Iris Jones Haftlang and son-in-law Omid Haftlang; Becky’s daughters, Avery Bechtel and husband, Josh of Salida, Colorado, and their children, Parker and Rowen; and daughter, Lindsey Majors of Denver, Colorado; his sister, robin Shireman of Lake Lewisville, Texas; brother Irish Jones and his wife, Vyeann Jones of New Orleans, Louisiana; and his faithful dog and companion, Rommel; and numerous friends and extended family members who will remember him for his servant’s heart and unwavering dedication to others.
A service celebrating his life will be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ericksdahl on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Richard Strait officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.
In honor of his lifelong spirit of giving, the family suggests memorials be made to Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, % Wayne Ekdahl, 701 CR 177, Lueders, Texas 79533 or Bethel Lutheran Church (stained glass maintenance fund) %Tena Tankersley, PO Box 828, Stamford, Texas 79553.
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