Feb. 10, 1934 – May 28, 2025

Paul “Pod” Jones, 91, of Stidham, passed away May 28, 2025, at Cornerstone Specialty Hospital in Muskogee. Paul was born on Feb. 10, 1934, in Stidham, Oklahoma, and lived in Stidham his whole life. He was the son of Elijah Thomas and Virginia “Vergie” (Bowlin) Jones. He attended Stidham Public Schools and enjoyed playing basketball and riding horses. Paul was a member of the Church of Christ in Eufaula. Paul lived a full and meaningful life rooted in hard work, simple joys and quiet faith.

For many years, Paul drove a bus for Stidham Schools, safely transporting generations of children with patience and care. In the summertime, he tended to his watermelon fields. He also raised cows, cut wood, hauled hay and enjoyed watching westerns.

Paul loved to tell stories about the old times, including the time he hitchhiked to California. He never met a stranger and would talk to anyone.

During retirement, Paul enjoyed dancing at the Eufaula Senior Center and going on trips that usually involved stops at casinos along the way to play the penny machines. Paul had the wonderful ability to remember directions and roads he traveled on.

He is now at rest in the presence of the Lord. While we mourn his loss, we celebrate a life well lived and a man well loved.

Paul is survived by his sons Steve Jones (Carolyn) of Norman, OK, Galen Jones (Shayla) of Eufaula, OK and Jason Jones (Sunny) of Owasso, OK; his grandchildren Ellyn Alberson (Elliott) of Enid, OK, Spencer Jones (Autumn) of Dallas, TX and Grant Jones of Owasso, OK, great-grandchildren Easton, Evan and Ensley Alberson of Enid, OK, sister-in-law Norma Jones of Glendale, AZ; and half-sister Mary Mutzig (Bill) of Georgetown, TX and his sidekick of over 30 years, Nellie Vaught of Choctaw, OK.

Paul also leaves behind many other family members and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings: William Otho Jones, Lorene (Jones) Pittman, Heston Jones, Billy Joe Jones, Jerald (Jake) Jones and Verlon Thomas (Tom) Jones; half-brother Hershel Jones and half-sisters Oleta Lawson and Nellie McCutcheon; stepbrother Willis Smith and stepsister Janice Jones.

The family would like to express their appreciation for the staff at Eufaula Manor Nursing Home for the care and love they provided to Paul.

Funeral Services for Paul were held at 2 p.m.