Milton C. "Hogg" Jones
November 21, 1926 ~ September 27, 1999

    Trailriders and wagoneers lost one of their special trail friends when Hogg Jones, 72, died Monday, Sept. 27, 1999, in Rocksprings, Texas. Hogg was born November 21, 1926 in Blanco, TX to John and Edna Smith Jones. He was the fifth child of nine ~ 5 boys and 4 girls. Hogg married Helen Ruth Nowotny on October 2, 1949; his death was just days short of their 50th Anniversary. Together they had two children; Marsha Carroll "Tooter" and Rocky Ray.

    Hogg grew up on farms and ranches and broke horses for a living. His nickname (pronounced HAWG) was a result of Milton always requesting "hog meat" at the family Sunday dinners. He worked on several big ranches like the Goodrich Ranch in Burnet County, the YO Ranch in Mountain Home and the Franklin Ranch owned by movie star Jimmy Stewart. He was drafted into the Army in 1945 and served his country for two (2) years in the Philippines. Hogg was always active in rodeo and a lifelong rancher in Edwards County. 

    In 1986 Hogg bought a covered wagon and four beautifully matched blue-roan Percheron horses and he and his family rode with the
Sesquicentennial Wagon Train from Blanco to Nocona, Texas. The very next year he and Helen hosted the first in a series of wagon trains on their beautiful ranch. Many a 42 game was played by Hogg during these rides; one tournament was won by him and this writer in sheep pens! They were frequent participants in wagon trains throughout Texas and once in South Dakota.  Hogg and his big
Percherons were part of several movie productions; including LONESOME DOVE, THE GOOD OLD BOYS and NED BLESSING. 

    He is survived by his wife Helen of their home; his daughter and her husband "Tooter" and Carroll Smith of Rocksprings; his son and his wife Rocky Ray and Janalyn Jones of Sonora. Three surviving sisters are Marjorie Armke, Norma Felps and Bonnie Schaefer ~ all of Blanco, Texas; three granddaughters Kit Smith of Stephenville, Kelly Jones of Odessa and Kendra Jones of Sonora
and numerous nieces, nephews and countless fiends. 

    The funeral for Hogg was held at the Rocksprings Rodeo Arena on September 29th at 10:00 AM. The chilled north wind didn't discourage a herd of over 200 that attended the cowboy funeral; complete with his horse, saddle and empty boots. The funeral service by Rev. Ronald Van Der Weert was exemplary and celebrated Hogg's life perfectly. Mr. Johnny Burrows, Sr. played guitar and sang "I'll Fly Away",  "One Day at a Time" and "Amazing Grace" beautifully. "Cowboy Heaven", a poem written about Hogg in 1987 by his wife was recited. The Ranch Rodeo Team that Hogg coached served as pallbearers with dear friends as honorary pallbearers. 

    His iron wheeled wagon and beautiful team of sorrel horses slowly carried him to his final resting place a short distance down the road. The large procession of friends and family followed on foot. The bright, warm sunshine covered the area while special music selections by Marty Robins, Rex Allen and Roy Rogers played. Hogg will be missed by his many friends on the trails throughout Texas.

Courtesy of The Trailriders Journal