Ralph Nelson Jones

Ralph Nelson Jones was born on the family farm, north of Chandler, Ok, on March 2, 1928. He died peacefully on September 19, 2024. He was the baby of 11 children born to the late Galen Iliff Jones and Pearl Wertman Jones. Ralph attended Banner School in a one-room rural schoolhouse until 8th grade. In high school, he drove the Chandler school bus and met his future wife Gwendolyn Dahlke on one of his routes. He graduated from Chandler High School in 1946. He and Gwen were married on June 24, 1950, after Gwen finished college and started teaching.

While employed by the U.S. Postal Service, he was called into action for the Korean conflict. His only daughter, René Nell Jones was born at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland while he was on a troop ship to Japan. Upon return from Japan, Ralph resumed his career with the postal service, retiring as a rural mail carrier, much to the sadness of many whose welfare he would check on during his route.

Ralph was a long-time member of the First Christian Church (Disciples) in Chandler where he was a deacon and youngest elder ordained. During this time, he raised money to restore the Rose window in the church. In addition, Ralph was a worthy patron of OES – a 32nd degree Mason. He also enjoyed all the school activities involving René.

In retirement, he and Gwen moved to Norman, Ok and began touring the country in their R.V.: all 50 states, as well as Europe, Israel, Egypt, and Australia. He was proud of driving the Alaskan Highway three times when a lot of the road was gravel.

Ralph is predeceased by his parents, six sisters, four brothers, and wife, Gwen.

He is survived by his beloved daughter René Jones Vassar and her husband, Bill, of Edmond, Ok. He is also survived by grandson Bill, and his wife, Ashlea, of Ft. Worth, Tx, and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank David Christy, who was devoted to Ralph and Gwen as a son would be, and the caring staff of Jefferson Gardens.