Melvin Jones

Melvin Jones passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, in Las Vegas, NV at the age of 90. Melvin was born June 6, 1934, in Shreveport, LA to the parents of William Ted Jones and Ophelia Eubanks Jones, both who preceded him in death.

Melvin spent his early years in Dallas, TX where he attended Dallas Public schools. At the age of 17, he began a distinguished military career by enlisting in the United States Air Force.

Melvin married his beloved wife, Bennetta, together they did everything that they set out to do in order to have a successful life-from raising a family to acquiring businesses and homes. They were married for 68 years; she preceded him in death.

Melvin served during the Vietnam Korean War period. Over the next two decades, he dedicated himself to service, retiring in 1971 after serving an impressive tenure of 20 years and 20 days. Following his military retirement, Melvin transitioned into the business world with determination. He initially operated a Shell Gas Station before founding his own trucking company, “Melvin Jones Trucking”.

For years, he managed a fleet of trucks and navigated the challenges of the industry with excellence. As the economic shifts made it difficult to find reliable drivers, Melvin adapted by becoming a one-man operation, driving across the country in his beloved “Big Rig”. His passion for trucking was undeniable, he found freedom on the open road and took great pride in his work. Beyond trucking, Melvin had a deep love for Aviation and served as a Flight Instructor for years. His enthusiasm for flying reflected his adventurous spirit and commitment to mastering new skills.

He was baptized as a Catholic at young age while in the military, grounding his life in faith alongside his many pursuits. In later years, when an accident at the age of 82 forced him to retire from Trucking for good, Melvin found solace as what he fondly called “The Shop”-his VIP auto shop. Behind its tall gates, Melvin surrounded himself with old cars, trucks, boats and RV’s that he had accomplished over a lifetime. Many of these vehicles were over 40 years old and they had little monetary value but were priceless to him as symbols of his hard work and dedication.

Melvin was grateful to have his loving niece, Barbara Wallace-Rutherford, of Grand Prairie, Texas, whom he called on when his health began to fail him, he named her as his Executor/Caregiver.

Melvin Jones was truly one-of-a-kind a man who carved out his own path and embraced life with unwavering independence. He loved talking to people yet preferred his privacy.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved him.