Martin Ray Jones

Martin Ray Jones, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed from this earthly life to meet his Lord on March 12, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Born on September 29, 1964, in Seiling, Oklahoma, to Charles Ray Jones and Norma Norene (Goodman) Jones, Martin grew up in a family that moved frequently as his father pursued career opportunities. These experiences shaped him into an outgoing young man who made friends easily. He embraced his role as big brother to his younger siblings, Glynn and Bryan, with love and dedication throughout his life.

Martin’s school years were filled with FFA, 4-H, motorcycle riding, hunting, and fishing. Family weekends at the lake or camping fostered both shared adventures and fierce brotherly competition that often required their father’s intervention. He graduated from Sharon-Mutual in 1982, leaving with many lifelong friends.

In 1984, Martin met the love of his life, Mary Jane Christie, at the Colorado Camp Meetings. They married on September 14, 1985, and built a life centered on faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with two children, Courtney and Hunter, whom Martin loved deeply and took great pride in raising. He passed on to them the value of hard work, practical skills, and a love for the outdoors. Martin was an accomplished woodworker and carpenter known for his meticulous attention to detail. He enjoyed riding motorcycles, attending bow shoots with friends, and exploring new hobbies such as metal detecting.

A man of strong faith, Martin dedicated his life to serving God at the age of 42 when he was baptized into the General Assembly and Church of the First Born alongside several loved ones, including his daughter Courtney. He cherished his church family and was always ready to lend a helping hand. Martin also served his community with distinction as a volunteer firefighter with the Mutual Fire Department and Vici Fire Department for 21 years before retiring.

In later years, Martin found his greatest joy as Pop Pop to his three beloved grandchildren, Abram, Auggie, and Millie. He treasured family trips to the beach, visits to retro arcades, cross-country travels, and lively dinners filled with good food and laughter. Though life brought hardships and loss, he remained grounded in his faith and the love of those around him.

Martin was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Norma Jones; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Martin and Carol Christie; and his granddaughter, Olivia Payton.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his children, Courtney Payton and husband Shane, and Hunter Jones and wife Kylan; his cherished grandchildren, Abram Payton, August Payton, and Millie Jones; his brothers, Glynn Jones and wife Samantha, and Bryan Jones and wife Angela; and many extended family members and dear friends.