Donald Edwin Jones, 80, of Clarksville, TN formerly of Heber Springs, AR passed away on Sunday, May 19, 2024 after a long illness. His loving family was fortunate to be at his side.
A private memorial service will be held with internment at Memorial Park (Memphis) at a later date. Don was a DC-10 Captain and one of the original employees of FedEx in Memphis, TN where he flew for 29 years. Born in Denver, CO, on January 22nd , 1944, he attended Oklahoma Christian College and Wichita State University. Following his service in the U.S. Navy, Don chose the career of an airline pilot, flying for Pacific Western Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and FedEx. He enjoyed fishing, boating, trap shooting and was an avid scuba diver since his Navy days. He loved spending time with Carol, his wife of 56 years, traveling the world as well as being present at all family and grandchildren activities.
Don is survived by his daughters, Kimberly (Kevin) Brinkmann and Kellie (Chris) Thompson, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren (soon to be three), a sister, Beth Eckert (Wichita), and three nieces. Don was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol, his son, Christopher, and his parents, Homer and Twila Hendrickson.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements are entrusted to Neal Tarpley Parchman Funeral Home, 1510 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN 37040; (931) 645-6488.