Keith Daniel Jones' Obituary
When Keith Daniel Jones was born on November 19, 1980, his parents Jim and Barbara found themselves in for many nerve-wracking, sleepless colicky nights. But as soon as he emerged from that trying stage, Keith became a wonderful boy who was intelligent, fun-loving, athletic, sweet and sensitive.Keith excelled in school, beginning at University Park Elementary in Fairbanks, Alaska, then moving to Jenks East Elementary and Middle School. At the age of 15, he began his career as a bag boy at Reasor’s Grocery in Jenks. Apparently someone he worked for figured out that he was extremely bright, as he was promoted to manager of the dairy department at the age of 17.Keith graduated from Jenks High School in 1999 and also earned a certificate in graphic design from Tulsa Technology Center. He then moved to Norman, where he worked in customer service for Direct TV and attended classes at OU part-time, simply because he loved learning.In his late teens and early twenties, Keith began to struggle with depression and anxiety. Over time, although he sought medical assistance, his illness became so severe that he could no longer continue with work or school, and he moved back to Tulsa to be near his family.Regardless of his disability, Keith continued his life-long loves of reading and playing music. He would read anything, but especially loved Dostoevsky and Kafka. At the time of his death, he was devouring the first volume in the Game of Thrones series which was given to by him by his friend and case manager, Luke.Keith loved to play drums and guitar, and enjoyed jam sessions with his father who also played guitar. The Beatles were a particular favorite, and Keith collected their complete works as well as many books about the group and their history.Keith also shared his love of music with his Grampy Lowe. They could listen to CD’s and albums and discuss music for hours together, often introducing each other to new favorites.Keith also had a very special bond with his Grammy Lowe, from the moment she fed him his first ice cream at three months of age.His paternal grandparents, Sam and Pearl Jones, were also dear to Keith’s heart. He was at their home quite often with Grandma Jones taking care of him during summer breaks from school and supplying him with homemade biscuits and gravy on a regular basis.Although Keith was an only child, he grew up around lots of cousins and loved hanging out and playing with all them: Jim Hurst and Tracy Edwards; Richard, Kari, and Kristi Wiggs; Whitney, Alex, and Dylan Steen; Mitch and Sherrie White; and Sarah and Christie Boman. He also had many, many aunts and uncles who were all very special to him.The most amazing relationship in Keith’s life was with his wife Sarah, who he married on July 14th, 2015. Because they both dealt with similar bi-polar depression and anxiety issues, they formed an amazing bond of support and understanding for each other and were a loving and devoted team. Sarah also shared Keith’s love of reading, as well as watching movies, vintage TV shows and Keith’s favorite, Jeopardy.Keith lost his struggle with his illness on a beautiful fall afternoon on Monday, October 23. We will miss so many things about him: his quirky sense of humor, his intellectual curiosity, but most of all his companionship.If anyone wishes to honor Keith’s memory in some way, please consider a contribution to the Mental Health Association of Oklahoma at mhaok.org or mail it to 1870 S. Boulder Ave, Tulsa, Ok 74119.
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