Services for D. R. Jones, 77, of Salado, will be 2PM Monday, May 4, 2020 at the Shiny Top Ranch Cowboy
Church with pastor Dennis Mitchell officiating. Burial will follow at Cedar Knob Cemetery with military
honors.
D. R. died April 30, 2020 in his home at Shiny Top Ranch in Salado.
He was born March 18, 1943 in Goose Creek (Baytown), Texas to Iva Lee Jones and Gracie Dean
Willingham. He graduated from Channelview High School and enlisted in the U. S. Air Force where he
spent 4 years.
D.R. decided, after serving his country, to test the limits of his freedom in Lubbock Texas, where he was
able to rustle up some trouble for himself before returning to Salado to the family ranch. Along with
helping his family run the ranch, he bought himself a trucking rig and lived free on the expanses of the
road. He loved to travel, and experience beauty, some of his favorite places included Wyoming and
Utah. He often said that it only snowed once in Wyoming, and the rest of the time, the wind was just
blowing the snow around.
After inheriting his home, he converted his legacy, Shiny Top Ranch, into a hunting lodge, where people
from all over the country came to experience more than a hunt, but the joy of friendship he was able to
spread into their lives. He was an independent man who was a cowboy at heart, always carrying his own
trademark pen in his front-right shirt pocket. He enjoyed the rodeo, livestock shows, and a big juicy
steak with a cold beer.
D.R. was an eccentric man, who planned and coordinated every aspect of his life. His last and final plan
was to move his father’s windmill from the back of the ranch, two and a half miles, to the front
entrance, where it will continue to stand guard over his legacy for years to come. The day before his
death, he drove his Mule, for the final time, to ensure that these meticulous final wishes were carried
out according to his vision.
D. R. is survived by his wife Barbara, son, John Ray Jones and daughter, Kelley Conchita Jones Blisard
along with 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild 1 niece and 1 nephew.
He is preceded by his mother, father and brother, Robert Lee Jones.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Shiny Top Ranch Cowboy Church, 7702 S. Shiny Top Ranch
Road, Salado, Tx. 76571
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