Dennis G. Jones' Obituary
Dennis Gay Jones was born on June 17, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas to his parents Maude and Gomer Jones. He grew up in Lyons, Kansas. An only child, Dennis enjoyed playing and excelling at sports, and demonstrated a strong work ethic from an early age. His father, Gomer, was a butcher for Dillon’s Stores and as a child, Dennis would help his father in the meat department, earning himself the nickname “Boney the Butcher”. There wasn’t a sport that got the better of him. Throughout his life he excelled at baseball, swimming, golf, and football. He loved the game, and demonstrated not only excellent mental and physical skills, but also the strategic analysis needed to champion the sports he loved. It was in high school that Dennis would meet the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty” Jones. Dennis spent a lot of time at Betty’s family’s farm, sharing family meals and sometimes pitching in to help the family with farmwork. Dennis attended Wichita State College on a football scholarship, and transferred to Emporia State where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business. Betty and Dennis were married on August 13, 1960, at Lyon’s Methodist Church. His first born, a son named Bruce Allen, was born on May 31, 1961. Dennis graduated from college, completed his service in the Air Guard, and took a job with Citgo. His family relocated to Bartlesville, Oklahoma in 1962, where he began his career for the company. Jenifer Lynn Jones, his beautiful second child, was born on July 27, 1963. He transferred with Citgo to Tulsa and continued his business career as a traveling salesman for Husqvarna Lawn Equipment and as an HR professional for Lowrance electronics Products. During this time, he played golf. A lot of golf. Sometimes playing 27 to 36 holes in a day. He honed his golf skills and had a very respectful 7 handicap. He enjoyed playing in various men’s associations and won the LaFortune 1st flight tournament one year. Ultimately, he became an HR worker at the City of Tulsa with a long and successful career. He enjoyed a reputation for being an honest, dependable, and hard worker. Dennis’ passion for helping others led him to the EAP (employee assistance program) at the City of Tulsa. He worked diligently and became the head of the EAP program, where he enjoyed helping people in times of crisis with addictions, financial advice, mental health crises, and connecting them to resources. He encouraged his son Bruce to join him at the City of Tulsa, which he did, in 1981- first as a water meter reader, and becoming a computer apprentice. In 1989, Dennis had major heart surgery (five bypasses) and continued to work. Upon retirement, he dedicated much of his time to golfing, antiquing and family. Dennis was a doting father, who supported his children and met the special needs of Jenifer who had Prader Willis Syndrome. He and Betty cared for her and saw that her needs were met. Dennis had a wonderful reputation with colleagues, coworkers, and friends. He was easy to talk to. He was a people person, and people were drawn to him. Dennis passed away peacefully at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma on December 31, 2023. He is survived by his son Bruce Allen Jones (62), daughter in law Debbra Jones (61); his grandchildren Stephanie and Tommy Branch, Cassie Jones, Tracy and Nick Davis, Devon Shell, and David and Eva Culp; and her great-grandchildren Ben Weindorf, Bram Culp, Charlotte and William Davis. He is preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Jones, his daughter Jenifer Lynn Jones, and his parents. Gomer and Maude Jones.
If you are unable to attend the service in person, the service will be webcast going live in the chapel at 2:55 p.m.. Please click on the following link: http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/96317
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