Harold Bob Jones

Harold Bob Jones, a world traveler, veteran, educator, and dance enthusiast, passed away at the age of eighty-three. Born in Altus, Oklahoma, to Harold William Jones and Laura Margaret (Sperlazza) Jones, Bob was a lifelong learner with an insatiable curiosity.
From an early age, Bob immersed himself in books-encyclopedias, classic literature, poetry, and Shakespeare-laying the foundation for a life of adventure and intellectual pursuit. After graduating from Altus Senior High School in 1959, he attended Oklahoma State University and later the University of Oklahoma, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Geography in 1966.
Bob proudly served his country, beginning with the U.S. Army Reserves before commissioning as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He later volunteered for service in Vietnam (1969–1970), where he was promoted to Captain and contributed to transportation operations and intelligence efforts.
After his military service, Bob pursued graduate studies in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Oklahoma, then embarked on a remarkable global journey. He lived and worked in eight countries, visited 214 nations across all seven continents, and mastered twelve languages along the way. His career in military-related technical training allowed him to explore the world, including five assignments in Saudi Arabia.
In 1987, Bob married Jean Lee (of Alabama), and though their marriage ended in 2004, their shared travels left lasting memories. Bob returned to Oklahoma in 2005, dedicated himself to restoring the family homestead. He continued working overseas before settling back in Oklahoma in 2007.
A passionate advocate for fitness and dance, Bob managed the Western Oklahoma State College Wellness Center, inspiring countless individuals to lead healthier lives. He taught 22 styles of dance across multiple countries, sharing his joy of movement for over 30 years. His book, Dance Instructors' and Learners' Introduction to 22 Kinds of Dances, remains a testament to his dedication to helping others find happiness through dance.
Civically engaged, Bob championed limited government, economic freedom, and charitable causes. He wrote extensively, including letters to thousands of newspapers, and generously supported fitness initiatives to improve community well-being.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sister Patricia Jones Blackman, stepson Jerry Keith Lee, and other dear family members. He is survived by his former wife, Jean Lee Jones; stepdaughter Melanie Lee; brother Patrick L. Jones; nieces Deanna Dickerson, Debby Dickerson, and Kelly Allen; nephews Craig Dickerson, John Jones, and Rick Jones; and many cherished cousins, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends.
Bob's legacy of service, adventure, and generosity will live on in the countless lives he touched. A celebration of his extraordinary life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma, with interment to follow at Altus City Cemetery, Altus, Oklahoma.
The Jones family will receive friends 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 28, 2025, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel, Altus, Oklahoma with interment at Altus City Cemetery with military honors.
Services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.