David Isham Jones fondly known as "D.I." was born to Joy Katherine and Isham Alexander Jones on July 2, 1939 in Bonham, TX.  He graduated from Vernon High School in 1957 and proudly went on to serve in the United States Air Force from 1957 to 1960.

He married his best friend and the love of his life Arlene "Oleta" Matthews on September 20, 1963.  Together they had two sons Ronald Jones of Benton, LA and Greg Jones of Waskom, TX.

D.I. entered the gates of Heaven on September 14, 2025 at the age of 86, from the NWLA Veterans home in Bossier City, LA, to be reunited with his bride just in time to celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary on September 20th.

A celebration of life will be held at Down's Funeral Home, 4608 Elysian Fields Rd, Marshall, TX on Saturday, September 27th at 2:00 p.m.  A visitation for family and friends will be prior to the service at 1:00 p.m.

D.I. was a truck driver for the majority of his life, joining the Teamsters in 1973 and driving for Carl Collins, J.W. Gentry and Roadway Express with whom he retired from in 1997.  Following his retirement from Roadway he went to work for the Harrison County Road and Bridge.

If you couldn't find D.I. at home, you could almost always find him hanging out and telling stories with Josh, Randy, Tiffany and Robert at the barn at Blackshear Farms, where he and Randy were known for their love of "green juice."

When not at the farm, he was likely to be in Wichita Falls, Vernon or getting in trouble with his nephew Donnie Steve in Lochney, ex. There was this one time when Jennifer had a Silver Alert issued on him.

D.I. was a proud 32nd degree Master Mason with the R.A. Thompkins Lodge #1254 in Waskom, TX.  He regularly attended the state convention in Waco, TX.

He was preceded in death by his parents Joy K. and Isham A. Jones, wife Arlene Jones, sister Charlene Miller, brother Tommy Jones, niece in love Vonda McLaughlin and daughter in love Janie Jones.

D.I. is survived by his sisters Wyvonne Hamilton and husband Bill of Wichita Falls, TX; Patsy Cline of Electra, TX; sons Ronald Jones and wife Jennifer of Benton, La; Greg Jones of Waskom, TX; grandchildren and bonus grandchildren Chris Laurence and wife Natalie of Casselberry, FL; Cody Jones and wife Shelbi of Clarksville, TN; Chelsa Hill and husband Lance of Gulfport, MS; Ty Jones and wife Brynne of Carthage, TX; Brandon Strickland of Beaumont, TX and Kyle Strickland and wife Rachel of Youngsville, LA.  Great grandchildren Eden and Emme Laurence; Boston and Jensen "J.J." Jones; Brittis Hill; Kyler Jones; Easton and Tate Strickland; along with numerous nieces, nephews and other family and friends, including his littlest buddy, Jeep Paine.

To know D.I. was to love him.  He never met a stranger and loved to shoot the bull.  He could tell some wild stories and you never knew which ones of those you could believe.

Those who knew D.I. will remember him for his infectious smile and overwhelming sense of humor, his deep-rooted love for his family and friends, and his unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone he encountered. He had a rare gift for making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed his path.

Prior to becoming sick, D.I. regularly attended River Crossing Cowboy Church with Ronald and Jennifer where he was fondly known and loved by much of the congregation.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Concho Hearts Hospice, Magnolia Place Wellness and Rehabilitation, the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home and Bristol Hospice for the care he was shown in the recent months.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the National Autism Association or Alzheimer's Association, two organizations that were near and dear to D.I.'s heart.

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