Herman William Jones

Herman W. Jones of Midland, Texas passed away on July 2, 2020 in Big Spring, Texas, just six days shy of his 98th birthday. Herman is survived by his son, Daniel Jones of Midland, Texas and his daughter, DeeAnn (Jones) Sandberg of Portland, Oregon. Herman is preceded in death by his wife, Velera Jones, his mother and father, Richard and Lela Jones and his siblings, Richard Jones Jr., Edwin Jones and Cletha Clayton.Herman was born on July 8, 1922 in Caddo, Texas to Richard and Lela Jones. After living in Caddo, the family moved to Bonham, Texas which they made home until Herman graduated high school and then moved to Midland, Texas in 1941. Herman volunteered for the United States Marine Corps in September 1942 and received his honorable discharge in June 1946, shortly after World War II ended.Herman’s interest in geology began at an early age with his father being an avid nature lover and hobbyist rockhound. This interest continued throughout his life with numerous rock and fossil hunting field trips no matter where he was or what else he was doing at the time. He graduated with a B.S. degree in Petroleum Engineering from University of Texas at Austin and later earned registration as a Texas Professional Engineer. Herman held several jobs during his petroleum engineering career, but retired from the Railroad Commission of Texas.Herman and Velera met at First Baptist Church in Midland and were married in 1955. They had more than 50 years together and two children, Daniel and DeeAnn. Both Herman and Velera were very involved in First Baptist Church. Herman was a Deacon, taught Sunday school and helped run the Audio Visual department for years. Besides Herman’s love of geology, his other favorite hobby was photography. You would rarely see Herman without a camera around his neck. It was hard to capture him in a photo because he was usually behind the camera taking the picture. Herman and Velera spent so much time supporting their children in all their interests and imparted a love of nature, photography, art, travel and unending curiosity that would forever change their lives.Retirement for Herman was filled with continuing his interest in gems and minerals through volunteering long term with the Midland Gem & Mineral Society (MGMS). Beginning in 1987, Herman and Daniel started their involvement in MGMS. Herman held nearly a dozen different positions with MGMS and thoroughly enjoyed demonstrating and teaching Venetian glass bead making. Over the years, he won many awards for his beautiful exhibits at the various shows around the region.The family would like to express their gratitude to all Herman’s friends at both First Baptist Church and Midland Gem & Mineral Society and family members who supported him and loved him along the way. The family deeply appreciates the staff and nurses at Lamun Lusk Sanchez Texas State Veterans Home in Big Spring. They cared for Herman during his last few years and made a home for him at their facility and treated him like a member of their family.In lieu of flowers, Herman would be honored if memorial donations could be made to Midland Gem & Mineral Society (P.O. Box 5043, Midland, TX 79704) to support their ongoing education programs.A visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 8 from 6-8 p.m. at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland. A small, private graveside service will be held and the family hopes to have a celebration of life service when it is safe to do so.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be left at www.npwelch.com.,