Curtis Wayne Jones died November 16, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma, at the age of 76 years 9 months 26 days. Memorial services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the Sunray Baptist Church in Purcell, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Curtis was born January 21, 1949, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Roy and Ermon (Smith) Jones.
Raised in the small Oklahoma town of Springer, where he graduated in 1967, Curtis dedicated himself to learning, achieving remarkable academic distinctions that included two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, and a doctorate.
A devoted pastor, Curtis served numerous congregations, nurturing and guiding those the Lord placed in his path. He also instructed and mentored many aspiring ministers throughout his years teaching in seminary.
On September 26, 1969, Curtis joined hands with his beloved Sandra Jo Strickland, forging a partnership that flourished for 49 beautiful years until her passing in 2019. Together, they created a loving home, ultimately settling in Durant in 2013 after making memories in Frederick. Curtis cherished his family deeply and delighted in traveling, having explored nearly every state in the union alongside his loved ones. He held a special fondness for beaches and the five years spent basking in the sun of Panama City, Florida, was one of his favorite places.
An avid golfer and skilled woodworker, Curtis possessed a talented touch and a keen eye for repair, whether it was breathing new life into computers and televisions or joyfully tinkering with various projects. Curtis’ life was filled with love, faith, and dedication that will resonate in the hearts of all who knew him. His spirit will be deeply missed but fondly remembered as a guiding light in the lives he touched.
Curtis was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ermon Jones; and his wife of almost 50 years, Sandra Jones.
Survivors include his daughter, Amy Potts and husband, Steven; his daughter, Jo Ann Crouch and husband, Brad; his 11 grandchildren, Jaron Potts, Alex Potts and wife, Shanea, Jessica Butler and husband, John, Stephanie Potts, Sarah Potts, Thomas Crouch, Christa Crouch, Joshua Crouch, Katherine Crouch, David Crouch and Jonathan Crouch; his five great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Melaine, Theo, John Jr, and Penelope; his brother, JR Jones and wife, Janet; and numerous other relatives and friends.