1931
Harold
2010
Harold S. "T-Pon" Jones
September 2, 1931 — November 12, 2010
Harold was born on September 2, 1931 to Laura Aubrey and Remy Jones. He spent his childhood in Kaplan. At age 17, he enlisted in the United States Army, and he served his country honorably. His duty included service in the Korean War. He earned several medals and citations, including the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars,Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation,United Nations Service Medal,National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge. After serving 7 years in the Army, Harold then joined the United States Navy. His naval service included assignments on the USS ZELIMA, USS AJAX, USS CALANTEE, USS MANATEE, USS SAN MARCOS, U.S. Naval Communications Station, Morocco, Africa, and U.S. Submarine Base New London, Groton, Connecticut. His naval service earned him the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, several letters of appreciation, good conduct awards and outstanding performance notations from former commanding officers. His active duty service concluded in 1970 when he transferred into the Naval Reserves for several years, making him a veteran with over 26 years of military service.
After retiring from active duty service, Harold returned to Kaplan. His dedication to the community and civic responsibility strengthened with each year. In 1978 and with the help of Tommy Guidry, Harold established the Vermilion Boy's Football League, which provided great opportunities to the youth of Kaplan, Abbeville, E. Broussard, Gueydan, Erath and 7th Ward. He also established the local chapter of the United States Naval Sea Cadet Corps Program in the late 1980s. The Sea Cadet Program has grown, now having chapters in Lake Charles and Lafayette. He wanted the local youth to understand that an early introduction to the military could lead to opportunity and self-improvement. He credited the military with shaping his character, and he wanted to share his experiences with the community. He earned ample recognition through his work with the Sea Cadets. For Harold, though, the most rewarding part of his work was to see a young, inspired person enter the Navy with a positive attitude and desire to succeed. Harold was rewarded countless times, receiving letters from mothers and fathers of former Sea Cadets thanking him for his guidance. He was a proud member of the Kaplan Lions Club, American Legion Post 271, and the VFW. He is most proud of his family members' continued military service.
Harold is survived by his wife of 47 years, Toby Jones; two sons, Remy Jones and wife, Deidre of Deland, FL, and Thomas Jones of San Diego, CA; one daughter, Lucy Jones Fontenot and son-in-law, Command Master Chief Stephan Fontenot, of Norfolk, VA. He is also survived by six grandchildren, three of whom are currently serving in the military. US Navy Ensign Leah Fontenot, USS ANZIO, Norfolk, VA; Midshipman 1/C Kristina Fontenot, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, Maryland and Senior Airman Angela Jones, US Air Force, currently deployed to the United Arab Emirates. His other three grandchildren are Jordan Fontenot and Taylor Fontenot of Norfolk, VA and Remy Jones II of Deland, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Remy Jones and the former Laura Aubry; sister, Ella Mae Breaux; and brothers, Levores Jones who served in the Navy and Pedro Jones who served in the US Air Force.
Harold had an enormous impact on the community. His lifelong dedication to the country and his community are greatly appreciated. Many will miss him and his inspiring guidance.
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