Visitation for 1SG (Retired) Charles E. "Top" Jones will be Monday, November 14, 2016 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

No services are scheduled locally and burial with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

Charles E. Jones, 69, Lawton passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2016 in Lawton.  He was born January 12, 1947 in Memphis, TN to Elijah and Lillie (Fultz) Jones.  He grew up in Clarkton, MO, where he was the first black graduate of Clarkton High School.  He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War, where he served 4 tours as a Combat Medic.  He earned several awards, including the Silver Star, Purple Heart with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit and the Combat Medic Badge.  Upon his return from Vietnam, he worked as a police officer in Lansing, KS as their first black police officer.  He went back to the military, serving in Panama after serving two years in civilian law enforcement.  He served over thirty years, eventually retiring at Fort Sill.  Even after his retirement Charles believed in service to his community, in both the veteran's centers and working with low income youth.  Charles was a longtime employee of Gunners Inn at Fort Sill, where he was able to interact with young soldiers and be involved in the community where he will be remembered by many.

He is survived by his daughter Dana Toles of Temecula, CA, grandson Durya' Toles, Staff Sergeant United States Air Force, Albuquerque, NM, granddaughter DurYona Toles, Temecula, CA, great grandson Deleon Malik Harid of Italy, step-daughter Sheila Snell Olsen and former spouse Misuk of Lawton, 2 brothers, William Becton of St. Louis, Elejiah Jones of Malden, MO and 2 sisters, Bula Smith of Wardell, MO and Lillie Wilson of Wardell, MO.  He is also survived by his very close companion Donna Moore and her children, Ka'Nija Moore, Octavion Wilson, Jatarvis Pratt, Tito Pratt, Jr. and Friencheska Moore.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 5 brothers and sisters, Emmanuel Jones, Ellenor Jones Redfield, Carrie Mae Jones, Francis Robinson and Luke Easton.