Donald Keith “Rusty” Jones died September 14, 2024, in Norman, Oklahoma at the age of 77 years 5 months 22 days. Graveside services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, September 20, 2024, at the Jerusalem Cemetery in Cole, Oklahoma, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Rusty was born in Purcell, Oklahoma, on March 23, 1947, to P.K. and Daisy O. (Raines) Jones.
He was raised in the nurturing community of Lexington, where he graduated from Lexington High School in 1965. Rusty’s pursuit of knowledge continued at Murray State in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and later, the University of Oklahoma in Norman. Rusty dedicated many years of his life to serving at Tinker Air Force Base, where he built a profound connection to his work and colleagues until his well-deserved retirement.
A man of varied interests, he found joy in antiquing, eventually manifesting his passion into a beloved store, “Time In A Bottle Antiques,” which became a cherished part of the Lexington community for years.
On May 17, 1998, Rusty united in marriage with Sandra Kay Price, melding two families into one. His greatest joy came from the time spent with his loved ones, particularly as a grandpa, a title he wore proudly. Rusty’s spirit was marked by his infectious sense of humor and his delightful ability to share a captivating tale, and his ability to see the treasure in the items he found for his store.
Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, P.K and Daisy Jones; his grandma, Lou Ellen Jones; his daughter, Jennifer Willige; his sister, Janie Webb; and a niece, Kelly.
Survivors include his wife, Kay Jones; his daughter, Shena Jones; his sons, Brandon Jones and wife, Kimberlee, Russell Jones and wife, Valerie, and Josh Rains and wife, Jessie; his grandchildren, Addie Rains, Jared Ray and wife, Luna, Brady Jones, Caden Jones, Dane Jones, Jillian Epperson and husband, Dalton, and Kori Kirk and husband, Jeff; his great-grandchild, Rhett Kirk; his sister, Pauline Austin and husband, Tony; his nephews, Aubrey Austin, Trent Austin and wife, Frances, and Nathan Wallace and wife, Donna; his niece, Clarissa Robinson; and numerous other relatives and friends.