Our Sympathy Extended to the Family of Evan David Jones
Evan David Jones, a loving, spirited, and creative man went to be with our Lord and Savior on the morning of June 5, 2023. He passed at home in McAlester, with one of his devoted daughters, Aimee, by his side. Both she and her sister Davee, have selflessly cared for him for the past 15 months. David spent 71 years on this earth, making a profound impact on everyone that knew him.
David was born on November 5, 1951, in McAlester, to Walter Evans Jones and Ruby Mae Dunn Jones, of Kiowa. He joined two older brothers in the home. Seven (7) years later, he was blessed with his very special little brother. Only five (5) months later they lost their father in a automobile accident. His mother married Frank Jones (no relation). Frank strived to be the dad that both David and his little brother needed.
A family directed memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023 at The Church of Christ in Kiowa with Chris Wilson, David’s cousin and Chaplain Louis Reynolds officiating.
Pallbearers were Rockee Jones, Aaron Whitman, Devin Dawdy, Allee Dawdy, Marcella Roberts, Ken Jones Jr., and Ricky Jones.
Honorary pallbearers were Ronnie Wilkins, Richard Reese, Willie Tucker, Jerry Lemons, Virgil Sam, Clark Rhyne, John Dixon and Donnie Sutton.
After a five (5) year long, difficult, and painful journey, battling his illness, David is free. He never ceased amazing us with his unwavering faith and his determination to enjoy each day to the fullest. The past few years, he lived in a broken body but with a nonfailing spirit that breathed perseverance. We know he ran and jumped into Heaven, shouting, rejoicing, and praising God to be whole again. Even in the midst of our own pain, now he’s there, he’d never want to come back again, even if he could!
David graduated from Kiowa High School in 1970, although he attended McAlester High School for a short time. In high school, David showcased his musical skills, alongside Reba McEntire, Pake McEntire, Kelley Rhyne, Roger Wills, Gary Rayburn and Carol Johnson. They formed a “self-taught” band under the leadership of Clark Rhyne and assisted by Kenneth Jones (if our historical data is correct). There was no type of a formal music program at Kiowa School then. He attended East Central University where he majored in Music and Art. David was an accomplished drummer and a vocalist. At ECU he learned to play the clarinet, and honed his guitarist skills. His Dad, Walter was also a great musician, even playing with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys.
This early passion for music continued throughout David’s entire life. He played for many, including Reba and Pake McEntire, Porter Wagoner, Buck Owens, Dottie West, Al Green, Roy Clark and Jimmie Dickens, as well as for most local bands in the area. He continued actively playing music, even while battling his illness, right up until the past two (2) years. David completed The Welders Training School in Tulsa. He worked in the welding/pipeline industry for years, working on The Alaskan Pipeline Project during the 1970-80’s. He was a proud member of the Local 798 Pipe liners Union in Tulsa.
David’s interests were varied and extended way beyond music and welding, as he was a man of many talents. He loved competing with Kenneth growing gardens. He had a passion for carpentry and woodworking. He could build or repair most anything. David didn’t need to take distant vacations; he preferred being close to home. Favorite foods were garden fresh tomato and Velveeta cheese sandwiches, pizza, cucumber salad, steak, banana bread, cornbread and STRAWBERRY MILKSHAKES! He was always smiling and being a “jokester”. He loved singing goofy little songs and saying very dated phrases, such as: “that’s NA CHO CHEESE”, “Hey, WHATTSUP “, “See ya later alligator”, “That’s it tater chip” and many more.
Watching western and biblical themed movies was a favorite pastime. David also loved sports, especially when it came to the Dallas Cowboys or any Oklahoma University (OU) teams. He was a very good artist. He enjoyed drawing cartoon characters, wildlife, caricatures, landscapes and pencil portraits. His love for the outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping were only comparable to his love for his animals, who brought him immense love and companionship.
One of David’s favorite people, was his baby brother Mark. In 1976, he and his family were blessed with the opportunity to love and care for Mark, in their home, for many years. They all shared a unique and special bond with him.
David’s kind nature, soft heart, forgiving attitude, loving spirit and strong Christian faith, led him to develop his deep love for God and Jesus. He never failed to remind everyone he came in contact with that he loved them and saying “Jesus Loves you”!
David is survived by his wife, Freda, of Lehigh; two (2) loving daughters, whom he idolized, Aimee Rocklene Jones of McAlester and Davee Sue Jones, of Dallas, Texas; Four (4) beautiful grandchildren, Rockee Jones of McAlester, Aaron Whitman and Jesseka, of McAlester, Devin Dawdy of Kiowa, and Allee Dawdy of Galveston, Texas; Three (3) delightful great grandchildren, Landon, Coen, and River Jade, of McAlester; Two special nephews, Ken Jones, Jr. of Antlers, and Ricky Jones, Tulsa; Mother of Aimee, Alice Jones Wood, Eufaula, and mother of Davee, Ruth Fereday, Kiowa. Also, two beloved sistersin-law, Faye Jones, Kiowa, and Robbie Jones, Edmond; two (2) stepbrothers, Billy Ray and Pat Jones, along with a stepsister; numerous other relatives, friends, and loved ones. He is reunited with his parents, Walter Evans Jones and Ruby Mae Jones; his stepfather, Frank Jones, his three (3) brothers, Kenneth Dee Jones, Kiowa, Richard Lee Jones, Edmond, and his beloved Walter Mark Jones; his maternal and paternal grandparents; beloved extended family, Tony, Joe, and Lucy Fraso who helped raise David and Mark; and countless others.
Before passing, David expressed his desire to acknowledgeAlice Jones Wood and husband, Perry, along with Ruth Fereday demonstrating his true heartfelt love and gratitude for everything they’ve done over the years, and up to the end of his life, for both he and his two precious baby girls!!
He and the family wish to express sincere appreciation to the entire Southeast Hospice team, from McAlester, for the constant and continual care they provided both he and his family. Each and every one of them are so dedicated to their work. They provided excellent treatment, with compassion, empathy, understanding, professionalism, and LOVE to David and his daughters. We thank you! David Evans Jones will be remembered as a kind, caring, and talented individual who left a lasting impression on all who knew him. His legacy of love, creativity, and generosity will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. May he rest in peace, surrounded by the beautiful music he brought into this world.