Donald Carl Jones Jr

Donald Carl Jones, Jr. passed away on February 14, 2024 surrounded by love at his home in Pantego, Texas.

Donnie was born in Dallas, Texas on January 3, 1961 to Donald Carl Jones, Sr and W. Joyce Jones. At a young age, his family moved to Arlington, Texas where he lived most of his life. Donnie graduated from Sam Houston High School in Arlington, Texas in 1979. He went on to play football at the University of Texas at Arlington where, in 1981, his UTA Mavericks won the Southland Conference Championship. Donnie was always so proud of that team and their special accomplishment.

It was while delivering rental cars that he met Manuela (Manny) Lajko who turned out to be the love of his life. Donnie and Manny were married on May 20th, 2000 and lived out the vow “till death do us part”.

Commonly referred to as the family’s “social butterfly”, Donnie never met a stranger. Anyone who knew him can attest to his love for adventure. Whether he was getting stuck in caves while scuba diving or stitching up his own knee while on the slopes, there was never a dull moment in the life of Donnie Jones. He loved watching the Texas Longhorns, though when he wasn’t watching sports, he was coaching them. Donnie was passionate about being involved in Matt and Alex’s sports. He loved coaching their teams growing up, and when he couldn’t coach Alex’s cheer squad, he coached the team she cheered for to make sure he got a sideline view. His love for his family ran deep, and there is nothing he wouldn’t have done for those he loved.

Donnie is survived by his wife, Manny Jones; son, Matthew Jones; daughter, Alexandra Jones; grandson Jaxon Jones; brother Mark Jones and his wife Tina; brother David Jones and wife Lesli; sister, Deborah McCarty and her husband Gavin, many nieces and nephews, and his favorite dog, Beau. Donnie also had many cherished friends that he loved like family.

Donnie’s big personality and wild stories will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A celebration of Donnie’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, February 25, 2024 at Gospel City Church, 2221 W. Park Row Dr. Pantego, Texas 76013.

In lieu of sending flowers, and in honor of Donnie’s life, the family asks that you consider a donation to the establishment of an endowed memorial scholarship in his name. Information about the Memorial Fund and how to make a donation will be shared when available.