Jones, Wayne V., 1902-1996
Dates
- Existence: 1902 - 1996
Biography
Wayne Van Leer Jones was born on June 18, 1902, in Chicago, Illinois. He received an A.B. degree in physics from Northwestern University in 1923, and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) fraternity and Phi Beta Kappa and Sigma Xi honorary societies. After graduation he was employed by various oil companies as a geologist. He advanced to senior vice president with Union Texas Natural Gas Corporation and Union Texas Petroleum between 1953 and 1963. He belonged to various professional organizations, including the Houston Geological Society and A.A.P.G. and published articles in the A.A.P.G. Bulletin. Wayne Jones met Elizabeth Rieke while at Northwestern University, and they were married in 1926; their son, Wayne V. Jones II, born in 1932, also became a professional geologist. Wayne and Elizabeth were patrons of the arts in Houston and supported music organizations and the art museum and natural history museum in Houston. Wayne Jones was appointed Northwestern University alumni Regent for Texas in 1965, and a Life Regent in 1975; he also received an Alumni Service Award from the university in 1968. He and Elizabeth and their son Wayne were also members of the university's John Evans Club and the Library Council. In 1996 he became the first recipient of the SAE Illinois Psi Omega Wall of Fame Award. Wayne Jones became a respected researcher and writer of family history, planning to research and write eight books about his ancestors. He belonged to genealogical societies in Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Texas, New York and England. He was also a member of the national and Texas societies of the Sons of the American Revolution. He died June 29, 1996 in Houston, having completed only three of his intended publications: The Bergstresser Family in America, Jacob Woodward Colladay and His Descendants, and The Rieke Family of Bavenhausen and America.