Delwin Jones

1924 - 2018

JONES, Delwin Delwin was born on April 4, 1924 in Lubbock to R.E. Jones, Sr. and Cordelia (Booth) Jones. Delwin spent 30 years in public service as State Representative representing Lubbock and the South Plains area of the Texas Panhandle. He secured the authority and funding to build the Lubbock State School, Texas Tech Law School, the Texas Tech Museum, Texas Tech Swine Research Center, and the Texas Tech Cotton, Wool, and Mohair Research Center. Delwin is a Charter Member and organizer of The High Plains Underground Water District, Plains Cotton Growers Association, and the Caprock American Business Club. He was past President of The Lubbock County Farm Bureau. Delwin is an Air Force Veteran of World War II. A graduate of Lubbock High School, and Texas Tech (1949). He married Reta Womack in October of 1946 in Lubbock. From this union they had two children; Lanny and Melodie. Delwin authored the legislation that created the Buffalo Lakes Water District, the University Medical Center (Teaching Hospital), the Texas Tech Medical School, the Criminal District Attorneys Office for Lubbock County, the 137th District Court of Lubbock County, the Seed Breeders Rights legislation that gave patent type protection for seed developers, especially cottonseed breeders. He authored the Legislation that set the legal quality standards for eggs and fruit sold in Texas. He also authored the Legislation that requires that garbage must be sterilized (heat treated) before feeding it to animals. He authored a Constitutional Amendment to prevent excess tax increases of agricultural land. He passed legislation that authorized the movement of grain combines and cotton modules on our highways. He authored the Texas Disabilities Act that requires all public buildings in Texas be accessible for the physically handicapped. He was designated Farmer of the Year in Texas because of his Legislative Agricultural Leadership. He was given several Honorary Degrees and Special Awards for his Legislative support of Education at all levels. Delwin authored the bill that changed the name to Texas Tech University from Texas Technological College. Those left to cherish Delwin's memory are his children; Lanny Tyler Jones of Seal Beach, CA., and Melodie (Jones) Snodgrass and husband Harry of Houston, Texas, grandsons; Greg Snodgrass and wife Kim and Scott Snodgrass and wife Blossom, six great grandchildren; Grace, Anna, Clementine, Birdie, Junie, and Gardener and a host of friends and colleagues. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife; Reta Jones, one brother, and two sisters. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Caprock American Business Club, in honor of Delwin Jones.