John Randolph Jordan, Iii

John R. Jordan, age 91, passed away in Abilene on Saturday, January 16, 2016. A service is scheduled for Friday, January 22, at 11:00 am in the Piersall Chapel, 733 Butternut St with James Thompson and Derrick Bam officiating. The burial will follow at 2 p.m. in the Texas State Veteran Cemetery. There will be a visitation held at the funeral home on Thursday from 5:30-7:00 p.m.

John was born to John Randolph Jordan II and Nona Young Jordan in Dallas, Texas on June 10, 1924. His family soon moved to Mineola where he worked in the local Safeway store for 37.5 cents an hour. He graduated from Mineola High School in June 1941 and then enrolled in Abilene Christian College that fall. By June 1943, his college studies were interrupted by WWII and he reported for active duty as an Ensign in the United States Navy. Prior to his deployment to the Pacific, he married his college sweetheart, Marilee Faver Jordan and they enjoyed nearly 65 years together before her death in 2009.

Ensign Jordan served aboard a gasoline/diesel oil tanker. Working in a combat zone with highly combustible cargo, John was always grateful that every man under his command returned home safely.

After the war, John finished his studies at ACC and went to work in the oil business, first for the Western Company and later as an independent land man and partner in Jordan and McCollum. He also remained in the U.S. Naval Reserves until he was honorably discharged in 1965.

John was a deacon and long-time member of the University Church of Christ. He also served as a founding board member of the Noah Project and was a passionate advocate for the victims of family violence. In addition to his charitable work, John enjoyed his retirement years on the golf course with friends and family. An avid golfer, he kept scorecards from good rounds in his personal files of important and cherished documents, including the score card which recorded his first hole-in-one.

John will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Jan Hailey and Vicki Shepard; son-in-law Mel Hailey; three grandchildren: Jennifer Nichols and her husband Joel, Rob Hailey and his wife Jill, and Michelle Shepard; six great grandchildren; and his sister-in-law Margaret Jordan, as well as a host of extended family and wonderful friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilee, and his brother James.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts to honor the life of John R. Jordan be made to the Noah Project, 5802 Texas Avenue, Abilene, or the Christian Service Center, 901 Mesquite Street, Abilene. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.