January 5, 1950 - July 18, 2024
Lawrence Worth (Larry) Jones was born on Jan. 5, 1950, to Walter and Jane Jones, the oldest of four children. He departed this life at the age of 74 on July 18, 2024, at Bristow, Oklahoma.
In 2016, Larry was diagnosed with kidney cancer, underwent chemotherapy, and had a kidney removed, all while living on his own in New York. He remained in remission until May, 2023, when he was diagnosed with small cell lung carcinoma. He fought hard, again undergoing chemotherapy and also radiation ending in August, 2023, and he remained in remission until June, 2024.
Larry graduated from Bristow High School in 1968. He excelled in speech and debate, going to the State finals each year and winning first place in both several times.
Larry attended Oklahoma University and then moved to the east coast in 1972, eventually settling in Brooklyn. He worked as a legal assistant for Darby & Darby law firm for over 20 years until the firm dissolved in 2010. He then went back to school, obtaining two masters degrees from Hunter College, in English and literature. He continued to work at law offices while going to school. On completion of his degrees, in his 60’s he then taught gifted and talented children for several years at Hofstra University, Long Island University, and New York City University until his retirement. Once a student made fun of him for wearing a hat at age 66, so he went ahead and told them he had cancer.
Larry lived in a Brooklyn apartment for over 30 years, fourth floor, no elevator, $2,000 a month, three roommates, regularly changing. Then Covid hit, he was unable to find roommates, was fearful of eviction, his close friends were either gone or had left New York, so he returned to Bristow in late 2020. He lived in Tom Korkames’ apartment over Tom’s Pro-Tech pest exterminators until he moved to Rainbow Assisted Living ten days prior to his death. He fought the move to Rainbow for a year because he didn’t want to give up his independence.
Larry is survived by brother Mike Jones and sister Dana Barnett, both of Bristow, and by nephews Justin Jones (Brooke), Wyatt Barnett, Alex Young, Neil Young, nieces Sarah Jones Pinson (Brian), Katie Barnett (Fred Wisby), Hilary Jones, and Jordyn Jones Robinson (Braden), and numerous great nephews and nieces.
He was predeceased by his parents Walter Jones and Jane Jones and sister Catherine Young.
Our gratitude to oncologist Dr. Jehanzeb Riaz who always ‘shot straight’ with Larry yet gave him options, hope, and spent the time with him that Larry emotionally needed, and to Tom Korkames for all he did for Larry in spite of Larry’s obstinacy, and to the workers of Emerald Hospice and Rainbow for the love and compassion they showed Larry and us.
Memorial Services will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Hutchins Maples Matherly Chapel.
Condolences may be made to the family online at www. hutchinsmaplesfuneralhome.