Robert Darrell Jones

GARY DANIEL PENKILO

Published 12:00 am Sunday, February 9, 2025

Robert Darrell Jones
HIDEAWAY — Robert Darrell Jones, 90, passed away and went to be with his Savior on February 1, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family.
He was born in Mesquite, Texas, to James Robert Jones and Hallie Mae Hibbitt Jones. Darrell grew up in Mesquite, TX, and graduated from High School there in 1953. He later attended SMU University for one year.
In the summer of 1956, Darrell met Mary Lou Pollard and married the love of his life in December of 1956, beginning a beautiful love story that spanned over 68 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, faith, and adventure, raising two wonderful daughters, Luanne and Jennifer.
Darrell and Mary Lou made homes in Mesquite, Houston, Dallas, and Hideaway, Texas. He had a successful career as a sales representative in the furniture and supply industry. In 1971, he took a leap of faith and founded his own company, Darrell Jones and Associates, building a legacy of hard work and integrity.
Darrell and Mary Lou shared a passion for travel, exploring the United States and Canada in their Foretravel motorhome, making cherished memories and friendships along the way.
A man of deep faith and generosity, Darrell lived with a servant’s heart. His devotion to his church and community shined brightly, touching the lives of many. At just 22 he became a Mason and later a Shriner, dedicating countless hours to transporting children and their families to hospitals for medical care. Darrell never met a stranger and firmly believed in paying it forward, always looking to provide others with opportunities to succeed.
Above all, Darrell was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Darrell died after a battle with interstitial lung disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Hallie, his brother James, and sister Dorothy. He is survived by his cherished wife Mary Lou; daughters Luanne Fassett (Byron); Jennifer Grounds (Ron); grandchildren Mallory Rix (Jason) and Brayden Fassett (Louisa); Ryan and Jordan Grounds; great-grandchildren Savannah Barkheimer, Jaxson and Myles Grounds; Samuel Fassett and Benjamin Fassett; sister-in-law Myra Low (Larry) and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the First Christian Church of Tyler, 4202 S. Broadway Ave, Tyler Texas, 75701. Visitation will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m.
The graveside service will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at the Long Creek Cemetery, 504 Long Creek Road, Sunnyvale, TX.
In place of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Shriners Hospital for Children, or a charity of your choosing honoring Darrell’s lifelong commitment to helping others.