Delbert Jones

Delbert Carroll Jones of Martinsburg, WV, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, August 12, 2024. 

Delbert was born on July 9, 1938, in Hurrican Township, Ashe County, NC. He spent his early years in Ashe County before relocating with family members to Baden, Maryland where he worked on a tobacco farm. Delbert attended Gwynn Park High School in Brandywine, MD. While in high school, Delbert met the love of his life, Nellie Smith, marrying his high school sweetheart on October 17, 1959. Together, they forged a lifetime of love that lasted through their courtship and 63 years of marriage. 

 As a teenager, Delbert enlisted in the District of Columbia Air National Guard serving full-time as an aircraft mechanic, maintenance scheduling specialist, and later as airfield management superintendent for the 113th Tactical Fighter Wing. Delbert served on Air Force active duty twice during his career and was the recipient of numerous commendations. After retiring from the Air National Guard, Delbert worked as a contractor for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency in Arlington, VA and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV.

 Delbert loved to fly and held a private pilots license for many years flying Cessnas and his favorite, the Beechcraft T-34. He primarily flew out of Hyde Field in Clinton, MD but also took his flying skills to other parts of the country including South Carolina, Texas, and Arkansas, often with his wife and sons. Delbert generously gave time to help others, loved to be the grill master at family gatherings, and enjoyed making people laugh with his humor and sharp wit. He loved family and friends unconditionally and his generosity and kindness knew no limits. 

 Delbert was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy, and brothers, Robert and Albert. He is survived by son Steven and his wife Jonelle, son Gregory and his partner Robert Rudolph, granddaughter Kailie and her husband William, grandson Cameron and his wife Abigail, granddaughter Kelsie, sister Marie, and many nieces and nephews.

 Pallbearers will be Cameron Jones, Robert Rudolph, Ray Kendrick, Sean Cranford, Simon John, and Jim Langevin. 

 Family and friends are welcome to gather at Lee Funeral Home, Inc. on Friday, August 23, 2024, from 10 am until the time of the funeral service at 12 pm. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, telephone 800-955-4572. Donations may also be made online at www.lls.org

 The family thanks everyone for their friendship, love, support, and compassion during this difficult time. Be comforted in knowing that Delbert was surrounded by loving family during his final flight to the Lord and he received wonderful care from the hospice team at the VA Medical Center.