John Paul “J.P.” Jones, 97, of Magnolia, formerly of Lamesa, Texas and Willisville, passed away on Friday, July 27, 2012 at Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center in Magnolia.

He was born on Jan. 1, 1915 in Comanche County, Texas and was a member of the Waldo First Baptist Church. He was a retired Baptist minister of 74 years. He graduated from the Jacksonville Baptist College in Jacksonville, Texas and pastored throughout Texas and Arkansas.

As director of Holy Land Tours, he traveled to the holy land numerous times.

J.P. is survived by his wife of 76 years, Cleo Jones of Willisville and now resides at Magnolia Health and Rehabilitation Center; a daughter, Doris Tunnell of Bryan, Texas; a son, Carroll Jones of Willisvile; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation with the family will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Monday, July 30 at Lewis Funeral Home.

A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m. at the Willisville Cemetery with Bro. Jerry Westmoreland officiating under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Magnolia.

Published: 07/29/2012