Barry Paul Jones

With saddened hearts, we share the life and legacy of Barry Paul Jones, born November 8, 1942, in Electra, Texas, and who passed away peacefully in the early morning of November 21, 2025, from complications related to prostate cancer. Barry lived a life rooted in family, faith, hard work, community, and an enduring love for the game of golf.

Barry was the son of Paul and Gwendolyn Jones and grew up in Electra, where he formed lifelong friendships and early habits of discipline, humor, and service that would define him for decades. He graduated from Electra High School and then North Texas State University with a degree in finance.

In December 1963, Barry married Linda Kay Menefee Jones, the love of his life and devoted partner for more than 60 years. Together they raised two children, Alan Jones (Paula) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Kimberly Woeckener (John) of Secaucus, New Jersey, who were shaped by his example of integrity, kindness, and an unwavering work ethic. Barry was a proud grandfather to four grandchildren—Caroline and Trevor Jones, and John Paul (JP) and Hannah Woeckener —each of whom brought him immeasurable joy. He is also survived by his younger brother Steve Jones (Nancy) of San Antonio and three nephews.

After beginning his career with an insurance company, Barry returned to Electra in 1970 to join his father in the family business, Paul’s Market. He became a partner and ultimately the owner, guiding the store from its original Main Street location (1956–1988) to its expanded site on Front Street, where it remained a fixture of the town until its sale in mid 2001. Barry was a disciplined, hands-on businessman who treated employees like family and led by example.

Barry believed deeply in giving back to the community that raised him. He served in leadership roles across Electra, including as Cubmaster and Scoutmaster, President of the Electra Lions Club, President of the Electra Chamber of Commerce, President of the Electra Golf Association, and member of the Chuck Wagon Gang. He spent countless hours organizing tournaments and helping ensure the golf course remained a viable community asset over the years. His caring spirit, compassionate leadership, and willingness to quietly pitch in wherever needed left a lasting mark. Many who worked with him viewed him as a role model—someone who showed how to work hard, lead well, and take care of your community.

A lifelong golfer, Barry began playing at age 13 and competed throughout high school, college, and the rest of his life. A scratch to low-handicap golfer, he won numerous tournaments, scored his age many times, and enjoyed playing courses across the country with friends and family. Barry’s great sense of humor and infectious laugh were hallmarks of his personality—disarming, joyful, and present in every part of his life.

Barry was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Electra, where his faith quietly informed the way he lived: humble, steady, patient, and grounded in gratitude. The poem Gone Golfing by David Ritter captures Barry’s outlook with uncanny accuracy and reflects the spirit in which he lived:

Gone Golfing by David Ritter

If the round should start without me

because I have passed away

Cherish the swings that we once made

and please continue to play

For I’ll be watching from a gallery

with a magnificent view

With friends and family from the past

all cheering with pride for you

May each tricky putt find the hole,

your drives fly far and straight

And when you’ve taken your final shot,

let’s meet at the Pearly Gates

I’ll have a tee time booked in Heaven

on the grandest course of all

And we’ll go golfing once again,

chasing that little white ball

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to First United Methodist Church of Electra, Post Office Box 846, Electra, Texas 76360.

There will be a come and go memorial visitation for Barry from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at Aulds Funeral Home of Electra, 420 North Waggoner Street, Electra, Texas 76360. The guest register will also be available to sign from 9:00 a.m. until visitation begins. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Aulds Funeral Home of Electra.