Thomas W. Jones

Thomas Walker Jones was born in Clovis, New Mexico to Harold Jones and Maurine Hunter. April 18, 2018 he passed away peacefully in his home, reuniting with his loving wife Marian Pearl (Fry) Jones, whom he had married in 1978.

“Together Again…At Last. Thank God!” is a statement quoted multiple times by Tom during the three years between Marian’s passing and his own. He wanted everyone to know that he is at peace and happy to be with his beloved wife, Marian, once again.

Tom moved to Bakersfield (CA) shortly after the Pearl Harbor Attack (December 7, 1941). He remembered that date well and always used it in reference to when he came to Kern County.

He attended Standard School and Kern Union High School (now BHS).

On April 14, 1950 he joined the Navy and attended the Navy School of Music as a trombone player for one year before serving aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Philippine Sea CVA47. He was honorably discharged in December 1953.

In 1954, Tom joined the Bakersfield Police Department and was an officer for the next six years. He moved to Alaska in 1960 to work for Coastal Drilling. In 1961, he was severely injured in a rig explosion. In late 1961, after an extensive hospital stay he was able to return to work. He chose to come back to Bakersfield and began working for Flinn Ambulance. He worked as an ambulance driver until 1974, at which time he began his 32 year career with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department. He eventually retired as a civilian employee in the Technical Investigation (crime scene) unit. During that time he was certified by the International Association for Identification and Southern California Association of Fingerprint Officers as both Senior Crime Scene Analyst and Latent Print Examiner.

In recent years, Tom reflected a lot over his past. He shared happy times as well as moments he might have done differently. Underneath the rough and tough exterior he was a very loving a caring man. Tom was a people pleaser. His final years were spent thinking of how he could have better pleased everyone…including past pets.

Others needs were always put in front of his own.

Tom is survived by his son Kevin Walker Reece and Daughter Kimberly Neff. Step-children Derek Daniels, Karen Love and Kenny Russell. Granddaughter (whom he raised as his daughter) Brandie Smith. Grandchildren Daniel Walker Reece, Ian Reece, Audrey Reece, Kirsten Neff, Karly Heckers, Charlotte Neff, Heather Daniels, Matthew Love, Kalli Love, Christopher Russell, Amanda Russell; Great-grandchildren Zachary Walker Smith, Brooklyn Smith, Payton Long, Maddieson Long, Cameron Reece, Ava Reece, Cora Reece, Landon Walker Reece; and his beloved cat Molly.

Viewing will been Monday, April 30 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Kern River Family Mortuary Chapel 1900 N. Chester Avenue, Bakersfield CA

Burial to follow on Tuesday, May 1 with full military honors at the Bakersfield National Cemetery starting at 12:30 p.m.