Daniel Ray Jones, 84, much loved Husband, Father, and Brother passed away peacefully March 8, 2018 at Hillcrest Medical Center ICU from kidney and heart failure due to complications of pneumonia. Dan is survived by his wife Nancy, sister Leona (Don) Parker, children Richard (Liz), Robert, Ron, Joy, Linda (Greg) Moss, Sue Follis, Sheri (H. Lynn) Tomlinson, Jim Hill, along with 19 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Ira Lester and Bonnie (West) Jones, brothers Bert and Bo, sons David and Don, first wife Lois, and daughter-in-law Kim.
Dan was born on August 20, 1933 in Kellyville, OK in the era of the great depression during intense hardship. He said many times that people literally had no money in those days and almost all goods/services were obtained using the barter system, where in fact his parents gave 3 cured hams, 2 fat hens, and a bushel of potatoes to the local Dr. Singh-Singh in payment for his delivery. Dan had a very large family with over 75 first cousins and learned to work and hunt on his family’s farm where he grew up. In 1951 he graduated from Kellyville H.S. and in 1952 attended N.E.O. A&M in Miami, OK. Dan earned a B.S. in Animal Science in 1959 from Oklahoma State University and received a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1961. He was a Corporal in the US Marine Corp from 1954-56, and later served in the USMC Reserves, the OK National Guard, and the Army Medical Reserves.
In addition to owning and operating multiple Veterinary Medical Practices through the years in Sapulpa, Glenpool, Pryor and Hulbert, Dan developed Mountain Creek Acres subdivision in Sapulpa, established a variety of businesses including a Real Estate Brokerage, a liquor store, and even a night club. Throughout his life he worked at a variety of vocations from teaching H.S. Biology in Jenks, OK to working as a pipefitter/welder (Local #351) at a nuclear power plant in New Jersey. Ultimately in 1991, Dan went to work in Berryville, AR for the USDA Poultry Inspection Service as an Inspector In Charge and retired at the age of 70 in 2002.
Dan was a charter member of the Omega Tau Sigma, Honorary Vet Med Fraternity at OSU, a member of the Pryor, OK Odd Fellows Lodge, the Lions Club of Sapulpa, and the Optimist Club of Glenpool. He had a pilot license and enjoyed flying small planes along with his many other hobbies including hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, coin collecting, and reading. Dan received many honors and recognition for his intellect and achievements, but to those who knew him he will be best remembered for his eccentric, extra quirky sense of humor, his happy personality, his sincere supportive advice, and his never, ever quit attitude to the end of his life.
The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation for the excellent care given to Daniel by the ICU Critical Care Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at Hillcrest Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a Dementia or Alzheimer’s Association.
