Richard Ellis “Dick” Jones, 75, of Eufaula, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on the 20th of November, 2025, after a life rich with service, music, hard work, and love for family and four-legged companions alike.
Born October 3, 1950, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Oklahoma City to Wade E. Jones and Orvan M. (Fulton) Jones, Dick grew up in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma in 1968. In 1969 he enlisted in the United States Air Force, and proudly served his country, as an aircraft mechanic. He trained and worked first at Big Spring AFB, then was stationed at Tinker AFB, later he deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand, and finally separated at MacDill AFB, proudly serving from 1969 until he separated honorably in 1977 as an E-4 Sergeant. His military specialties included Aircraft Maintenance Management and Aircraft Maintenance Specialist on jet engines.
After leaving active duty, Dick returned to Tinker AFB as a civilian, spending decades keeping America’s bombers in the sky. For many years he worked as an aircraft electrician and sheet-metal mechanic on the B-1B Lancer until his retirement in March 2004. Choosing family over service, he moved to Eufaula to care for
October 3, 1950 – November 20, 2025
his ailing mother, a decision that spoke volumes about the man he was.
Retirement only changed the rhythm, not the beat, of Dick’s life. The blues called him home. Every Labor Day weekend he poured his heart into the Dusk Till Dawn Blues Festival in Rentiesville, Oklahoma—running electrical lines before dawn, working security through the night, and making sure every amp, light, and microphone sang perfectly. For Dick, those late nights under the Oklahoma stars with the music he loved were nothing short of sacred. He was also a proud member of the Blues Society for over 20 years, serving as president of the Oklahoma Blues Society for 12 years.
In his later years he discovered sailing and fell hard for the wind and water. Weekends found him on Lake Eufaula or the Gulf Coast with his best friend, chasing horizons. He dreamed of one day owning a houseboat and living on the Mississippi, rocking gently with the current and the blues on the radio.
Dick’s dogs were his constant joy: first the soulful basset hound Lulu, then little black Chihuahua Sissy, and finally the feisty poodle Rags—each one spoiled rotten and loved without measure.
Dick is survived by his children: Wade Jones, Carmon Jones, and Jessica Jones; his grandchildren Toby, Hudson, and Apollo; his maternal aunt Jacqueline Swadley and many cousins; and a wide circle of friends who became family at the blues festival and on the water.
A celebration of life will be held behind his house in early spring. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Dusk Till Dawn Blues Festival or the Oklahoma Blues Society, or simply play a little Muddy Waters, pour one out for a good dog, and be kind to somebody— Dick would like that.
Fair winds and following seas, Papa. You’re sailing the seven seas at last.
Psalm 107:23-32 Others went out on the sea in ships, they were merchants on the mighty waters; They saw the works of the Lord, his wonderful deeds in the deep.
For he spoke and stirred up a tempest, which lifted high the waves.
They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths; in their peril their courage melted away.
They reeled and staggered like drunken men; they were at their wits end.
Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed.
Then they were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven.
Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love, and his wonderful deeds for men.
Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people, and praise him in the council of the elders.
Rest easy, Dick. The band’s just getting started, and the water’s perfect.
