Charles “Charlie” Arthur Jones, age 74, passed away at Great Plains Health, North Platte, Nebraska, on March 19, 2023. Charlie was born on Aug. 14, 1949, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Alliance, Nebraska, to Mabel (Matthews) and A.O. “Pete” Jones, the third of four children.
Charlie grew up on ranches between Brownlee, Mullen and Whitman. He attended elementary school at Brownlee and Simpson Country School, Mullen. Charlie attended high school at Curtis, Mullen Public Schools and Hyannis High School. He graduated from Hyannis High School in 1967. Charlie attended Mid-Plains Community College and Grand Island Business School briefly.
Charlie served as a military police officer in the U.S. Air Force from 1970-1974, achieving the rank of Senior Airman (E-4). He was stationed in Guam and the Phillipines. He had two very special police dogs, both German Shepherds, one of them named Mac. He was an excellent dog trainer and handler. One of the hardest things he ever did was giving his dogs up when he left the service. With friends, Charlie visited and bicycled through parts of Papua New Guinea, Australia, and New Zealand. He loved New Zealand, always wanting to return.
After serving two tours in the Air Force, Charlie re-SEE JONES, 4 turned home and attended college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a degree in Soil Conservation in 1983. Charlie worked as a Range Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) at Valentine from 1983-1991. He really enjoyed meeting and working with ranchers on their various projects. In 1991 Charlie took the position of District Conservationist in Mullen and worked until late 1996 or early 1997, helping plan the new building at Thedford. Charlie also served in the National Guard many years, training monthly in Lincoln. Charlie completed many Bicycle Ride Across Nebraska (BRAN) rides.
After retiring as District Conservationist, Charlie started trucking in October of 1997, driving for Seward Motor Freight, Seward, Nebraska, and Black Hills Corporation, Rapid City, South Dakota. After retiring from OTR trucking in 2007, Charlie started driving rural students to and from Mullen Public Schools in 2008. He enjoyed this very much and continued until 2014. He also began working as a substitute mail carrier in 2011, delivering mail for four years until his health prevented him from continuing.
Charlie served on the Mullen Planning Commission from 2004-2019. He was appointed to fill a vacancy in 2007 on the Mullen Village Board and served on that board from 2007-2012; being elected in 2008 and serving as Chairman for two years from 2011-2012. He was integral in getting a city sales tax on the ballot and implementing it in 2008, which helped city projects such as the swimming pool. He also served on the Hooker County Historical Society as treasurer from 2001 until his recent retirement this past year. He really enjoyed history and working with the Historical Museum members. Charlie always considered Mullen his home and loved living there.
Charlie was a beloved brother and uncle. He was always willing to help wherever he felt he was most needed. Charlie enjoyed his special companions, Macy and Holly, his German Shepherd dogs. He loved reading books and newspapers, keeping up on current events, his cars, and music. He greatly blessed the lives of those he loved, and he will be missed so much.
Charlie is survived by his sister, Marijo McCune, Alliance, Neb.; sister-in-law, Jacque Jones, Gordon, Neb.; nephews, C. Hyde Kramer, N.M.; Eric McCune, Alliance, Neb.; Clark (Vicky) McCune, Roanoke, Texas; and Rusty (Kristi) McCune, San Diego, Calif.; and nieces, Veronica Kramer, Gillette, Wyo.; and Shawnna Gardner, North Platte, Neb.; great-nephews and great-nieces, many cousins and friends, and his beloved dog, Holly.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Mabel Jones; his sister, Alberta Kramer, and his brother, George Jones; nephew, Ryan McCune; and brothers-in-law, Chancey Kramer and Kenny McCune.
Memorials are suggested to the Mullen Ambulance replacement fund, Hooker County Historical Society or to the donor’s choice.
Cremation has been chosen. Govier Brothers Mortuary of Mullen is in charge of arrangements. A come and go remembrance is being planned for Sunday, June 11, in Mullen.