Norman L. Jones

Norman Livingston Jones was born on August 26, 1912, in Perry, Oklahoma. While as a young man in Perry, one of his jobs was to deliver huge blocks of ice to customers in a horse driven wagon. Norman graduated from Perry High School in May of 1930. He went on to attend the University of Oklahoma and there he met his future wife, Frances Marie Pearce. They were married on September 4, 1936, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Norman was employed by Gulf Oil Company. Norman and Frances have 4 children: James Stewart Jones born 1939; Carol Ann Jones (now Nelson) born 1941; Norman Pearce Jones born 1944; and Lynne Marie Jones (now Barnes) born 1955.

Norman enlisted on August 26, 1939 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After joining the Army he was transferred to Fort Sam Houston, Texas, where he was assigned as Captain to the 12th Field Artillery Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division. Later he even became Aide to Major General Walter Robertson. Norman remained in this high position throughout the war years. In this position Norman had the opportunity to personally meet and accompany a number of Allied commanders during inspections of the 2nd Infantry Division, including personal encounters with Omar Bradley, George S. Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower and George C. Marshall. Norman landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day D+1 and although he served on the staff, Norman did not avoid combat either, for example during the Battle of Normandy or the Battle of the Bulge. Norman was awarded the Bronze Star by Major General Walter Robertson and in January 1945, he was promoted to Major. In May 1945, Major Jones prepared the official celebrations of the end of the war and the festivities of a banquet with Soviet commanders in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia. However, the most beautiful experience for Norman was undoubtedly the return home, which literally had cinematic timing. Norman got permission to return to the United States a month before the 2nd Infantry Division and he arrived home to Tulsa, Oklahoma on June 16, 1945 just in time to celebrate the first birthday of his son Norman the next day and obviously it was the first time they were able to meet each other.

In September 1945, Major Jones was honorably discharged and he moved his wife and their three children from Tulsa to Duncan, Oklahoma, where he became co-owner with his father of Paul Jones Motor Parts Company. Norman always went above and beyond in all aspects of his life. For example, whenever a customer or stranger called him at home in the middle of night in need of a part he would gladly meet them at his store to get them the part needed.

"Our father was an avid golfer and could be found on the golf course every weekend, weather permitting. Norman and Frances enjoyed dancing and playing bridge, and he also looked forward to reminiscing about the war with his friends. Having lived through the Great Depression and rationing during the war, Norman and Frances were very frugal but also very generous. Norman was described as a true gentleman. He loved to read and was very knowledgeable on many subjects. He was an incredible story teller, had a keen wit and excellent sense of humor. Norman had a strong faith in God and loved his family and the U.S.A. Our parents lived in Duncan until they passed and were beloved members of the Duncan community. They each made such a positive impact on the lives of all of their family, friends, and the community. Frances passed away on November 8, 1978, at the age of 63 and Norman passed away on February 19, 1993, at the age of 80."

Thank you for your service Major Norman L. Jones. We will never forget you and will always honor your memory!
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Many thanks belong to children of Major Norman Jones - James, Carol, Norman and Lynne for their enthusiasm and support that helps us to keep the legacy of the 2nd Infantry Division alive!