Don Jones

Don Dalton Jones, 97, passed away on March 24, 2024 in Oklahoma City. He was born on Oct. 8, 1926 in Porter, Okla. to Jesse and Alma Moses Jones. Don was an outstanding athlete in high school, playing baseball and basketball and running track at Ft. Gibson, Okla. High School. He graduated from Ft. Gibson High School on May 17, 1945, and was offered a scholarship to play baseball in college, but was unable to accept. He held the Ft. Gibson High School record for the 100-yard dash for many years. He married Beatrice Oleta, “Bea,” Jones on Nov. 11, 1947 in Porter, Okla. They moved to Oklahoma City in 1951, where he worked for BS&B. While working at BS&B, he was an outstanding center fielder for the fast pitch softball team. In the early 70s, Don went to work for TG&Y Central Fixtures as a carpenter, crafting display shelves for their stores. He was an avid Ham Radio operator (K5UKP) for many years. He and Bea loved bluegrass music and spent many weekends going to bluegrass festivals. He was an avid fan of the OU women’s softball team. He loved working on old cars, and completely restored a 1937 Chevy Sedan. He also was an accomplished amateur photographer. Just like Oklahoma’s favorite son, Will Rogers, Don “never met a stranger he didn’t like.” Don was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Alma Moses Jones; wife, Bea Jones (Jan. 1, 2004); a brother, Norman Jones; and a sister, Wilma Jones Huggins. He is survived by three children, Glenda Nigh (Bob), Patricia Bowman and Gary Jones (Kay); grandchildren James Bowman (Sherie); Daniel Bowman (Jenny) LaDonna Spruill (James); Jeremy Nigh; Kristin Nigh Rowell (Landon); Nicole Jones; Garrett Jones (Jessica); great grandchildren Emma, Ashton, Aidan and Elle Bowman; Ally, Isaac and Elias Spruill; Ashlyn and Brayden Rowell; Raycen and Carson Jones; and Al and Auggie (Bevacqua-Bowman).