George Austin Jones

George Austin Jones was born September 9, 1931 in Balmorhea, Texas and died February 7, 2022 in San Angelo, Texas. He married Barbara Rea “Babs” Fortson in Fort Stockton, Texas on August 1, 1952.

Throughout his early years, Jones served in the United States Navy and spent several years as a farmer near Van Horn, Texas, then later became the Van Horn City Marshall, and then later Chief Deputy Sheriff in Culberson County, Texas and as a police officer for the City of Midland in Midland, Texas. Jones served as Chief Deputy Sheriff in Brewster County, Texas under Sheriff Williams before leaving there to serve as a Narcotics Officer for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

When Jones left the narcotic service he owned and operated a store in Study Butte, Texas while also working for several ranchers in Brewster County. He ran for and was elected to Sheriff of Brewster County, Texas in 1984, replacing Sheriff McDaniel for one term.

Jones was a well respected Mason and member of the American Legion. He ran successful businesses, was a talented photographer, and served many years in law enforcement across several communities.

George Austin Jones photo courtesy of Carl C. Williams collection