David Lee Jones

David Lee Jones of Powderly, TX, took his final flight to his heavenly destination and joined his Lord and Savior on November 27th, 2024. He was an exceptionally skilled aviator, the world’s greatest diesel mechanic and the most wonderful husband, father and granddaddy, according to his family and friends.

David was born on September 2nd, 1958 in Marshall, MO to parents Harold A. Jones and LaVern Stroup Jones. From an early age, David showed a unique inclination for mechanical interests by taking apart his brand new stroller and ingesting the nuts and bolts, much to the dismay of his mother. This interest followed him throughout his life, manifesting itself into a passion for collecting and restoring antique McCormick Deering, Farmall and International Harvester tractors and small engines.

When David was 16 years old, he discovered a love for aviation when his father’s friend landed an airplane in a field on their farm. David’s affinity for flight grew into a life-long passion when he obtained his pilot’s license at the age of 17.

David earned a degree in aviation from the University of Central Missouri and began flight instructing others, launching an aviation career that included serving as a training captain at Air Illinois, and First Officer at Air Midwest. He was a born educator and was always happiest when enriching the lives of others by sharing his extensive knowledge and wisdom.

In August of 1985, David took a temporary hiatus from commercial aviation to return to his hometown of Pilot Grove, MO, where he became his father’s right-hand man and helped drive the success of the Mid-Missouri Telephone Company. Through David’s leadership, the Mid-Missouri Telephone Company saw growth and expansion. He was responsible for inspiring collaboration between rural telephone companies to better serve the communities in providing leading-edge technology in the telecommunications industry. This love for his communities later drove him to become instrumental in providing the first internet services and connecting local high schools to interactive college-level learning opportunities.

Unbeknownst to David, his return to his hometown proved to be providential, as it paved the path to meeting and marrying the love of his life, Angie Grigsby at their church, Christian Chapel of Columbia, MO. After relentlessly pursuing Angie, who deemed him a simple “Arkansas chicken farmer” due to his love of wearing plaid shirts, she finally agreed to give him a chance. Angie quickly realized that this man was nothing less than extraordinary, after he repaired the brakes on her automobile during their first date. They were married 8 months later and that was the beginning of 38 years of forever. Together they were blessed with five children, whom David delighted in (almost) daily. He was exceedingly proud of his children and never hesitated to tell them and anyone who cared to listen 

In July of 1991, David’s desire to better serve his communities, especially in the rural farming areas, led to the founding of Mid-Missouri Cellular Company. He served as the President and CEO of Mid-Missouri Cellular Company until 1999 and under his dynamic leadership and ingenuity, the state of Missouri saw the introduction of cellular services in previously un-served areas.

At the end of 1999, the telecommunications industry was experiencing rapid growth and David felt the need for a change. It was his dream to start an air charter operation and it was his determination and drive over the next three years that turned that dream into a reality.

In February of 2002, Air Direct achieved FAA-certification and David spent the next 22 years providing air charter services to destinations all over the country. It was his great pleasure to provide best in class service to his valued clients. David was endlessly thrilled with the opportunity include two of his sons in the family business, and he enjoyed the last several years running the business together.

David’s greatest joy in life was when he earned the title of “Granddaddy”, with the births of four grandchildren between 2018 and 2021. He was an outstanding Granddaddy and his grandchildren were the light of his life. David was perhaps the only man on earth who would volunteer to take multiple toddlers with him on many expeditions, including hauling antique tractors to exhibits around the country with his beloved 2-ton truck – and he loved every minute of it.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Harold A. Jones, LaVern Stroup Jones, his twin brother, Paul Dean Jones, his father-in-law, Kenneth Wayne Grigsby, and joined in death by his youngest son, Micah Luke Jones.

David is survived by his wife, Angela Jones, his mother-in-law, Ruby Grigsby, his children, Aaron (Kaylyn) Jones, Sarah (Thomas) Jones Herndon, Seth Jones, Noah Jones, and his grandchildren, Austin Lee Jones, Adaline Kate Jones, Leland James Herndon, and Malachi David Alexander Herndon.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations in David’s honor to Teen Challenge and Paris Pregnancy Care Center, which were two organizations that he strongly believed in.

A Memorial Service will be held on December 7, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Pilot Grove Community Building in Pilot Grove, MO. The family will receive friends from 12:00 pm until service time at the Community Building.

A visitation will be held at Fry Gibbs Funeral Home on Friday, December 13th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM in Paris, Texas and a Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, 14 at 10:00 AM at East Paris Baptist in Paris, Texas.