Thomas E. "Gene" Jones, 97 year old resident of Seiling, passed from this life on November 20, 2020 in Seiling.  Gene was born on February 14, 1923 to Tom Earnest and Cora Frances (Parsley) Jones in Togo, OK as the 7 ^th child of 14.  He grew up in the Cheyenne Valley area, where he graduated from Cheyenne Valley High School, with the Class of 1941.  Gene enlisted in the United States Army on February 2, 1944.  He served in the European Theater of WWII in Northern France and was awarded the Army of Occupation Ribbon (Germany).  Gene was honorably discharged as a Corporal in May of 1946.  Then on December 2, 1946, he married Audry Pauline Butler in Anthony, KS.  To this union four children were born: Lois, Wanda, Paul, and Roy.  They made their home in the Chester/Seiling community.

Gene was a farmer, and like most farmers, he also worked various "side jobs" over the years including custom harvesting and oil field contract pumping. He was a member of the American Legion. Gene was a very outgoing person who never met a stranger and was always willing to help anybody in need. He also had his pilot's license and enjoyed flying his plane. In his spare time he enjoyed outdoor life including fishing, hunting (especially coyotes), horseshoes, and gardening. He grew and sold watermelons and cantaloupe.  Gene was also an avid sports fan. Having played baseball, it became his favorite. He enjoyed watching his grandkids play baseball, basketball, and football.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years, Audry Jones; parents, Tom and Cora Jones; twelve brothers and sisters; and son-in-law Rick Graff.

He is survived by his four children: Lois Graff of Amarillo, TX, Wanda McCrate and husband Mike of Claremore, OK, Paul Jones and wife Kathy of Seiling, and Roy Jones and wife Sheri of Seiling; brother, Bill Jones of Oakley, KS; 15 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at the Liberty Cemetery in the Sherman community of Major County.

Memorial Donation's in Gene's honor may be made to the Liberty Cemetery in care of Redinger Funeral Home (Box 236, Seiling, OK 73663)