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To Recognize and Honor the life of Gilbert H. Jones, and expresses our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones
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WHEREAS, Gilbert H. Jones of Westerville passed away on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 at the age of 76. Gilbert H. Jones was born in Columbus on February 29, 1944 to Earl and Dorothy (Bailey) Jones; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from Columbus Central High School, Gilbert served his country as a member of the United States Airforce; and
WHEREAS, Upon returning home, Gilbert decided to continue his service by joining the Ohio Highway Patrol. As a member of the 69th graduating class, Gilbert became the second African American officer in the patrol in 1966; and
WHEREAS, Through his exemplary service as an officer, Gilbert became the first African American to be promoted to the rank of sergeant. As he continued to garner the respect of his fellow officers, Gilbert ultimately earned the rank of Lt. Colonel within the Highway Patrol; and
WHEREAS, Gilbert retired from the Patrol in 1997 after 31 years of service and was one of the two African American officers in the nation holding the rank of Lt. Colonel at that time. Shortly after retiring from the Patrol he became the Chief Deputy for the Franklin County Sherriff's office in 1998, and
WHEREAS, After 15 additional years of service, Gilbert retired from the Franklin County Sherriff in February of 2014. In 2017, Gilbert was inducted in the Civil Rights Hall of Fame and in 2020 he received the Flying Cross Legacy award; and
WHEREAS, Gilbert is survived by his loving wife Charlene, daughters Nikki Jones, Stacy Hearns, son Herman Jones, grandchildren Tamara, Kyavonna, Xavier, Robert Jr., Rylan and great grandchildren Jemari, Taniya and Kyree, and sisters Linda Freeman, Cheryl Nichols; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby recognize and honor the life of...
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