Gary Jones lived a life of significance. He passed away peacefully on Aug. 12, 2019. As a decorated U.S. Army Captain and team leader of the U.S. Army Special Forces, he served his country through four tours of duty in Vietnam. His 24 years of service included 64 missions against Viet Cong insurgents from March to September of 1964 alone. Gary loved to tell “war stories,” yet never bragged about his medals, commendations, sacrifices or bravery. He earned the Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, Silver and Bronze Stars and many other commendations and military honors.
While still in the service, Gary became a nationally-certified Physician’s Assistant in 1976, after serving several years as a medic. When he retired from the military in 1980, Gary worked as a Physician’s
Assistant for 18 years in Alaska.
He reconnected with former classmate Cyra Hardy at his 35th class reunion for Choctaw High School. It was the first reunion he had attended since enlisting in the Army after high school graduation. Gary and Cyra rekindled a friendship from their years in school together, then married on Dec. 23rd, 1993.They enjoyed travel, golf and making memories in their RV. Gary was an avid golfer, and taught Cyra to take up golf at 55 years of age. They played golf across the country, and enjoyed regular matches with other Choctaw High School graduates. Gary stayed in touch with his Choctaw classmates, and enjoyed meeting them monthly on “First Fridays” at Don’s Alley.
Gary is survived by his brother Tim and wife Anik Regina Jones. He is also survived by six children and their families from his first marriage, including: Michael Jones; Carolyn Streissguth and husband
Stephen Streissguth; Suzanne Jones; Stephanie Jones; Timothy Jones and wife Jessica Jones; and Michelle Villalobos and husband Lorenzo Villalobos.
He is also survived by four step-children and their families, including: Susan Hardy Brooks; Sandy
Garrison and husband Terral Garrison; Shelly Lansdale and husband Joey Lansdale; and David Hardy and wife Misty Hardy.Gary has 21 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 19 at Louise Pritchard Chapel, First Baptist Church Oklahoma City, N.W. 11th and Robinson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care for OKC Ministries, First Baptist Church.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.8.18