Alan Clifford Jones (Papa), 86, of Temple, TX, a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, physician, educator, and philanthropist, passed away after battling Alzheimer’s disease on May 18, 2024. Beloved husband of Virginia Marie McKibben. Loving father of Steven Christopher Jones, David Michael Jones, and Jennifer Jones. Father-in-law to James Brooks Newbill. Doting grandfather of Brock Christopher Jones, John Michael Jones, Luke Alan Jones, and Elizabeth Anne Jones.
Alan was born in Detroit, Michigan on March 16, 1938 to Effie Agatha Jones and Robert Cecil Barnett Jones. He was the second of three children with an older brother, Robert Matthew and younger sister, Patricia Ava.
Alan attended Warren G Harding Elementary school, a 25-minute walk from his childhood home, until he completed the 8th grade. He graduated second in his class. He then attended and graduated from the University of Detroit High School, a Jesuit college prep, all boys school which took him two bus rides and an hour of travel time to commute. He graduated top 15% of his class. Later, Alan attended the School of Optometry at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. In 1960, he became a second lieutenant, an Optometry officer, in the US Air Force. He was stationed first in Goose Bay, Labrador but eventually ended up in sunny, warm San Antonio, Texas at Randolph Air Force Base where he met the love of his life, Virginia Marie McKibben. He finished his military obligation in 1963 and went to the University of Houston College of Optometry for an additional year of study and received an additional degree, Doctor of Optometry.
On October 3, 1964, Alan and Ginger were married and Alan was working at a thriving optometric practice in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Soon after, he decided to become an entrepreneur – which he was until his retirement in 2003 – running his own optometry practice. In 1966, at the age of 28, Alan was accepted into the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor. Virginia taught nursing which allowed Alan to study and complete his degree. During this time, they adopted Steven after his first year and David during his final year of medical school. He graduated in May of 1971 at the age of 33 with a medical degree in Ophthalmology. A stint in Portsmouth, Virginia at the Naval Hospital led to starting his residency at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California where later in 1973, their daughter, Jennifer, was adopted.
Alan, Virginia, Steven, David, and Jennifer moved to Temple, Texas in 1978. Alan immersed himself in his medical practice and in 1984, he built a new combined office building and Ophthalmology-only ambulatory surgical center at the driveway entrance to Kings Daughters Hospital. Alan’s business thrived and by 1993 his practice was staffed by three Ophthalmologists, two Optometrists, and a support staff of 30, which included nurses, Ophthalmic technicians, aides and administrative personnel. Many of these staff members stayed a part of The Eye Center of Central Texas for nearly 20 years – they were like family.
After a brief retirement from The Eye Center in the mid-1990’s, Alan decided to pursue a profession he always wanted to do – teaching. He returned to school as a student at the age of 57 to obtain his Master’s degree in American Studies at Baylor University. He joined the adjunct staff at University of Mary Hardin-Baylor as a part-time professor teaching American literature.
Alan dedicated his life to his family and community but most importantly to the many patients around the world including work in Harar, Ethiopia, Mombasa, Kenya, Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Dajabon, Dominican Republic, and Guanajuato, Mexico. Alan restored sight to thousands in Temple, Texas as well as through his philanthropic efforts all over the world.
Alan had a deep love and passion for the outdoors including road cycling and hiking in the mountains of Colorado where he and Virginia enjoyed many post-retirement years at their home in Salida. He rode his bike thousands of miles in many locations around the world including across the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
Alan lived his life with a constant devotion to improving the lives of others. His generosity impacted the lives of many individuals for generations. He would give anonymously, he never wanted attention except from his wife and family. His belief system included always paying it forward. His wit, respect for humankind, and way of complimenting made others feel bigger than life. He was deeply curious about those he encountered and had a habit of questioning them about topics such as hobbies, education, and family. He was a man of character; he gave generously and only kept what was needed for his families’ wellbeing with a focus on education for his children and grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Alan’s name are considered for The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. Donations can be made at https://alzfdn.org/donate/