Former Big Country State Rep. Delwin Jones remembered for service

Former State Rep. Delwin Jones of Lubbock, known for his decades of service to his community, died Wednesday at the age of 94.

He served in the Texas Legislature from 1964 to 1973 as a Democrat and from 1989 to 2011 as a Republican. He lost a bid for re-election to District 83, which includes Snyder and Mitchell counties in the Big Country, in the 2010 Republican Primary to Charles Perry. At the time of his defeat, he was the oldest member of the House of Representatives.

Jones also was a candidate in a special election to succeed Robert Duncan in the state Senate in 2016, but fell ill before the election. Perry also won that election.

Accomplishments during his career include creating and securing funds for establishments such as Texas Tech Medical School, Texas Tech Law School, the National Ranching Heritage Center and the Buffalo Lakes Water District.

State Rep. Dustin Burrows, who now holds the District 83 seat, issued a statement saying, "Delwin Jones was a true West Texan. As a Legislator, his commitment to his constituents in his District was extraordinary. Delwin was a remarkable public servant and decorated war veteran who worked hard to make Texas a better place to live and work. Elisabeth and I offer our condolences and prayers to Delwin's family."

U.S. Rep. Jodey Arrington, issued a statement saying, “A World War Two veteran and long-time public servant, Delwin was the epitome of a West Texan, deeply committed to his community and his country. I am grateful for Delwin’s lifetime of service and leadership, which was instrumental in helping our region grow and flourish. My condolences and prayers are with his family.”

His memorial service will be held at Oakwood Methodist in Lubbock at 11 a.m. Saturday. He will be buried in Texas State Cemetery in Austin.