Obituary of Robin Lee Jones

Robin Lee Jones, Colonel (USAF Ret) March 1, 1930 to November 9, 2022 Robin Lee Jones, Colonel (USAF Retired), passed away on November 9, 2022 at his home surrounded by family after a hard fought battle with cancer. Robin was born in Brighton, Alabama on March 1, 1930 to William Jasper Jones and Elsa Duncan Jones. He graduated from Bessemer High School and the University of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, brother and sister, all from Alabama and stepson Fritz Schell. Robin was commissioned in 1952 and went to pilot training in Lubbock, Texas. He was an amazing pilot with global experience in flying the L20, C-97, T-39, C-7A and KC-135. Robin served two tours in Viet Nam. The Air Force was the perfect career for Robin to serve his country and raise his family. He traveled extensively around the world. After Texas, they were stationed in Massachusetts, Goose Bay Labrador, Florida, Spain, Louisiana, Alabama, Belgium, and Indiana. His last assignment was Base Commander at McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas. After retiring from the military in 1979, he worked for Beech Aircraft in Wichita and Miami. He married Katharine Schell in 1985. Following his second retirement, Robin and Kay moved to Punta Gorda. In 2000, they moved to Indian River Colony Club (IRCC) in Melbourne, FL where he spent the last 20+ years in a community with fellow patriots whom he loved. Robin was an avid reader. He loved hosting social events, cooking and planning annual family reunions. Robin was a true patriot and passed down to his family his commitment to God, country and family. He is survived by his wife Katharine, his son’s Alan (Bev), Lee, Ron (Laurie), daughter Jana Pantesco (William) and step son, Andy Schell (Jonathan). He is also survived by eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Robin will be remembered as a gracious, caring and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He coined the phrase, “Be Kind, Be Kind, Be Kind” and always signed off with, “Oceans of Love”.