Allen Carter Jones, IV

Corpus Christi - Allen Carter Jones, IV "Dick" passed away at the age of 75 on Sunday, March 9, 2025, in Corpus Christi, Texas. He peacefully left this world while surrounded by his family. Dick was born on Sunday, December 15, 1949, to Mr. William Whitby Jones, II and Mrs. Rachael McCarty Jones, both of Beeville, Texas. He is preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Jean Louise Jones; and three sisters, Susan Jones Miller, Lorine Jones Booth, and Elizabeth Jones Carr.

As a child, Dick attended school in Corpus Christi but preferred to spend his time on the ranch South of Hebbronville. Being one of five children, and the only boy, there was never a dull moment in the Jones house. He had hilarious stories he would tell us about his childhood that he remembered fondly. He was always known by his sisters and friends for loving a good prank. Dick graduated high school from Texas Military Institute in San Antonio in 1968 and then attended SMU and Texas A&I Kingsville before deciding it wasn't for him. He came home and immersed himself in the ranching and cattle business at just 21 years old. His love for the outdoors and anything cattle related began at a very young age. When he was a young boy, he followed his father around the ranch learning everything he could about the land, the grasses, livestock, cattle business, conservation, and of course, a little bit of fun. He used to say, "The best impression you can leave on the land is your footprint." He considered himself very fortunate to have the opportunity to make a living doing something he truly loved.

Dick met his wife, Ann Celaya Jones, of Brownsville, TX, when he was 26. He claimed it was love at first sight and she was the best thing that ever happened to him. They married 2 years later on July 15, 1977, and moved to the Alto Colorado Ranch in Brooks County where they resided for the next 18 years. It may not have been the most glamorous home for his new bride, but it was certainly colorful. They had 4 children, Camille, Whit, Jeana, and Christina. He loved showing his children the ways of the ranch riding horses, working cattle, swimming in horse troughs, countless quail hunts, early morning deer hunts, and evening rounds to watch the sunset. Every summer, after hearing enough complaining about the heat, he would take his family to South Padre Island for a month. He loved to swim in the surf and was an avid fisherman. His children will remember him for his big heart, his unwavering kindness and understanding, his funny stories, and most of all, his unconditional love for his family.

Dick made an impact in many organizations throughout his life. His favorite being the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute where he served on the advisory board for 40 years as a founding member. He was very passionate about their research and dedication to conservation in South Texas. Dick was also an instrumental member of the Mesteña board of directors for 30 plus years, a family-owned Oil & Gas and Uranium Company. In 2024, Dick was asked to accept the Harvey Weil Conservationist of the Year title, an award he was very honored and humbled to receive. He also served as a director on the boards of the First National Bank of Beeville, First National Bank of Hebbronville, First National Bank of Alice, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Texas Wildlife Association, South Texas Property Rights Association, and the Brush Country Groundwater Conservation District. Among all the boards he sat on, we are certain that the majority of the minutes will reflect Dick Jones making the motion to Adjourn.

Dick is survived by his wife, Ann; children, Katherine Camille Jones, William Whitby Jones III and wife Sarah Armstrong Jones and Christina Jones Sasser and husband Michael Ford Sasser; sister, Kathleen Jones Avery; and seven grandchildren who called him Papa: Allen Carter Jones V "Cinco", William Whitby Jones IV "Billy", Cecelia Grace Jones, Pete Stavros Tassos II, June Frances Sasser, Michael Tate Sasser, and Jacob Jones Sasser. We will miss him dearly.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 22nd at 11 a.m. in Beeville, Texas under the oak trees at the Beeville Country Club at 1 Country Club Drive, Beeville, Texas 78102. Following the service, please join us for lunch at the club as we continue to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Dick's memory are invited to make a memorial contribution to the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at 700 University Boulevard MSC 218, Kingsville, Texas 78363, or online at https://www.ckwri.tamuk.edu/giving.