Mr. Richard Dale Jones

Obituary for Richard Dale Jones

Richard Dale Jones, 83, of Choctaw, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2026, in Shawnee, Oklahoma.

Richard was born on October 15, 1942, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Elva Milo Jones and Bessie Alta (Hayes) Jones. He grew up alongside his three brothers, Charles, Derrell, and Ozell, and his sister, Alta.

He graduated from Sasakwa High School and went on to attend Oklahoma State Tech, on a basketball scholarship, where he earned a degree in applied science with a focus on electronics. Richard began his career working for Phillips Petroleum before serving his country in the Air Force Reserves and the Oklahoma Air National Guard, where he proudly completed a combined six years of service.

Richard met the love of his life, Linda (DeFord) Jones, at Tinker Air Force Base. They were married for nearly 54 years and built a life together in Choctaw. Richard worked at Tinker Air Force Base for 42 years, dedicating himself to his profession with commitment and skill.

Together, Richard and Linda raised three sons: Eric, Eddie, and Jeffrey. Richard was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who took great pride in his family and their accomplishments. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren: Joshua, Caleb, and Sarah Jones.

Richard had a deep love for dogs and enjoyed basketball, tennis, studying his family's genealogy and working with his hands—always finding satisfaction in making new things and creating. He will be remembered for his steady presence, strong work ethic, and the care he showed to those around him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Jones; his sons Eric Jones and his wife Jeanette, Eddie Jones and his wife Christie, and Jeffrey Jones; his grandchildren Joshua, Caleb, and Sarah Jones; his brother Ozell Jones and his wife Barbara; his brother-in-law Don Ramsey, and sister in law Carolyn DeFord; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elva and Bessie Jones; his brothers Charles Jones and his wife Pauline, and Derrell Jones and his wife Wanda; his sister Alta Ramsey; and his father- and mother-in-law, Howard and Marie DeFord.

Services will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home, 8805 NE 23rd Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A viewing will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the same location. A reception lunch will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Bethel Christian Centers West Campus, 3225 N Choctaw Road, Choctaw, Oklahoma.

Richard’s life was one of dedication—to his family, his work, and his country—and he will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.