Dennis Mack Jones

March 28, 1947 - October 11, 2026

Confident, ambitious, and full of charm, Dennis Mack Jones had a way of making everyone feel like an old friend. He never met a stranger. Known for his quick wit, ornery sense of humor, and tendency to break into song at any given moment, Dennis brought plenty of personality to every room he entered.

Dennis was born on March 28, 1947, in Miami, Oklahoma, to Mack Granville Jones and Nancy Mildred Foster Jones. He passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 79.

A proud United States Navy veteran, Dennis served aboard the USS Constellation during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, his ambition and strong work ethic led him to a successful career in insurance. Beginning in 1975, Dennis owned insurance agencies in Tulsa and Vinita, Oklahoma, continuing his work until recently.

Dennis met his wife, Cheryl, on a blind date, beginning a marriage that would span 54 years. They balanced each other well, and Dennis especially loved finding just the right gifts for Cheryl. Together, they built a life centered around family, travel, and making memories. A hardworking and devoted father, Dennis took great pride in providing for his family and making sure his children always had what they needed. As "Papa," he treasured time with his grandchildren and was especially proud of each of them and their accomplishments. Family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations meant so much to him.

Dennis believed in working hard, enjoying life, and surrounding himself with the people he loved. Whether spending time on his boat at Grand Lake, playing a round of golf, or cheering on his beloved Oklahoma State Cowboys, he made the most of the things he enjoyed. He built a home at Grand Lake that became one of his favorite places. In his younger years, if Dennis wasn't on his boat, chances were he could be found on a golf course.

A proud Oklahoma State University graduate and devoted season ticket holder, Dennis approached every football season with the unwavering confidence that this would be the Cowboys' year.

Dennis also loved to travel. Hawaii and Las Vegas held special places in his heart, while trips to Paris and Italy were among his most memorable adventures.

Dennis is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Cheryl Randall Jones; his children, Alana Kennon and her husband, Jason; Cory Jones; Julie Cathey; and Carly Jones, all of Tulsa; his grandchildren, Lucy, Holden, Corae, Mallory, Carly, Evelyn, Amelia, and Caleb, all of Tulsa; and his sister, Corrinne Collins and her husband, Tom, of Miami, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Betty Ketcher, Pat Stines, Judy Hogan, and Myrna Duboise.

Above all, Dennis will be remembered for his love of family, his drive to succeed, and the determination that carried him throughout his life. His family and friends will cherish his humor, his friendship, and the memories they made together. And whenever the Cowboys take the field, they will surely think of Dennis, still believing this could be their year.

Visitation:

Family and friends are invited to visitation on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Moore Southlawn Chapel, 9350 E. 51st Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Family Graveside Service:

A private family graveside service with military honors will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Graham Cemetery in Pryor, Oklahoma.

Celebration of Life:

A Celebration of Life honoring Dennis will be held 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 7, 2026, Elks Lodge, 5335 S. Harvard Ave., Tulsa, OK. Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate his life.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in support of the Dennis Mack Jones Scholarship at the OSU Foundation or checks should be made payable to:

OSU Foundation

PO Box 1749

Stillwater, Oklahoma 74076-1749

or to the Wounded Warrior Project