F. LeRoy Jones

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3

Finis LeRoy Jones was born September 6, 1932, near Cowden, Oklahoma, during the Great Depression. He was raised on land rich with family history, descended from early settlers who came to Oklahoma Territory by covered wagon in 1889. From those roots grew a man of deep faith, integrity, and devotion to family, church, and community.

LeRoy excelled in school, sports, and music, graduating from Cowden Consolidated School in 1949. He attended Oklahoma A&M College before answering his country's call to service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. While stationed at Ft. Sill and Ft. Bliss, he exchanged daily letters with the love of his life, Sandra Miller-letters they cherished throughout their lives.

LeRoy and Sandra were married on June 26, 1955, beginning a partnership that would last seventy years. Wherever they went, they were known for walking hand in hand-a simple but constant expression of their love, unity, and commitment. They faced life together side by side, sharing both its joys and sorrows.

LeRoy faithfully served the Church of Christ for more than 65 years as a song leader, Bible class teacher, elder, evangelist, and officiant at countless weddings and funerals. Known affectionately as "Marrying Sam," he had a gift for comforting hearts and speaking with warmth and ease.

A gifted historian, poet, musician, and storyteller, LeRoy devoted much of his life to preserving the history and spirit of western Oklahoma and the Old West. He authored books, poems, songs, and local histories; performed and recorded original works; and shared his talents generously with audiences across the country. His contributions earned numerous honors, but he remained humble and grateful.

Above all, LeRoy believed his greatest achievement was serving God. He lived his faith daily-with humility, gentleness, and purpose-and was a steady source of strength and encouragement to all who knew him. His life was well lived, his love deeply felt, and his legacy enduring. He will be remembered always as a man who walked faithfully with God and through life-hand in hand with the woman he loved.

LeRoy is survived by his beloved and devoted wife and best friend Sandra; daughter Mary Cheryl Tacker of Cowden, daughter Cindy Heald and husband John of Broken Arrow; grandson Travis Tacker; granddaughter Jill Carter and husband BJ; granddaughter Kayla Norwood and husband Justin; grandson Kyle Ripley and wife Lauren; great-grandchildren Berick Carter, Polly Tacker, Luke Tacker, Logan Tacker, Chloe Norwood, Maggie Tacker, Collin Carter and Jacob Norwood; great-great grandson Maddox Carter; sister-in-law Mary Henderson; nieces and nephews Lee J and Marta Henderson, Leslie Henderson, Curtis and Katheryn Janz, and Retta and Gary Fulton; and a host of beloved cousins and long time friends, plus his much loved church family at the Colony Church of Christ in Colony, OK.

Preceded in death by his Parents: Ralph and Juanita Jones

Visitation: 2:00 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m., Saturday, January 10, 2026

1:00 p.m. ~ 8:00 p.m., Sunday, January 11, 2026

Ray & Martha's Funeral Home

Carnegie, Oklahoma

Funeral: 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2026

United Methodist Church

Mountain View, Oklahoma

Interment: Mountain View Cemetery

Mountain View, Oklahoma