A large crowd of friends, family and citizens gathered in front of the Donald R. Jones Justice Center for what was announced as a dedication of a new memorial bench. However, the event also acted as a surprise opportunity to formally dedicate the center to Judge Donald Jones.
“First off I just want to thank you all for coming. This is a big crowd and I think that’s a testament to the family that we are here for today,” County Judge Brandon Huckabee said.
The bench is similar to the ones around the courthouse and is inscribed ‘In Loving Memory of K. Ewell and Fritzi Lucille Jones, parents of David, Don and Gwen.’ It sits outside the justice center doors.
“This is a perfect spot for a new addition with the meaning behind it,” Huckabee said.
The bench was dedicated in honor of “their years of dedicated service to our community and the rich history they have woven into the fabric of our lives,” he said. “Their commitment and love have left a lasting mark on everyone in this community. May this bench serve as a reminder of that legacy and a place for reflection for those who cherish the past and are looking to the future.”
Huckabee thanked the family and their extraordinary commitments to Erath County.
“The bench is here and we hope you come sit on it and reflect – remember the people that built this community into what we are today. It is very important as we move into the future that we don’t forget our past,” he said.
District Attorney Alan Nash spoke about Donald Jones and about the justice center never being formally dedicated.
Twelve years ago people were celebrating the retirement of Jones and with great excitement it was said that the justice center would be named the Donald R. Jones Justice Center.
“The commissioners were resolved to do that but we discovered that it has never been formally dedicated,” Nash said. “It is a fitting tribute to this space that has served our community in countless ways. It now carries his name representing his unwavering commitment, dedication and service to our community.”
“I would like to say on a personal note as a practitioner of the law in this county that every morning, you’re walking into a building with the name Donald R. Jones. The man that name represents is a daily reminder too, to me and all the other practitioners of the law, that we are following your example as a lawyer and as a judge, of coming into this courthouse with preparation, decorum and collegiality. Thank you Judge Jones,” Nash concluded. The ceremony ended with punch and cookies, and a chance to visit with friends and family.