David Jones

David Alan Tulsey Jones, 65, lifelong resident of Seminole, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Thursday, April 7, 2022. Dad was born on April 23, 1956 to Fred and Lula (Kernell) Jones in Talihina, Oklahoma. Dad was a member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Nurcup Harjo Band member. He grew up in a household characterized by strong Christian faith, instilled primarily by his mother. He was raised attending church faithfully at Achena Presbyterian Church, but also was raised with a strong Seminole Nation of Oklahoma traditional identity, with his stomp grounds originating at Seminole Eufala. Dad attended Pleasant Grove schools in Seminole county where he graduated high school. Afterwards, dad spent some time at East Central University in Ada and completed coursework there until taking a break from his academics to focus on work. Dad worked in a variety of occupations, including the oil field, asbestos removal, pecan harvest, and the restaurant industry. In 2010, dad finally returned to school and completed the requirements for his B.S. in General Studies at East Central University where earned his 4-year undergraduate degree. Dad found a place with Oklahoma Community Action Agency as an office assistant and client coordinator where his primary responsibilities included assisting clients with housing, food, and utilities. Dad always maintained that he would work until Jesus called him home and that is exactly what he did. Dad had a heart for Jesus and his passion was for helping his fellow man. He enjoyed drinking coffee, watching television, eating snacks, watching Sooner football, and teaching his boys about traditional Seminole ways. He always said his greatest accomplishments in life were getting clean and sober, watching his oldest son find sobriety and turn his life around, and experiencing life as a grandfather through his youngest son’s three children, Mek-ko Derek Tulsey Jones Jr., Merrick Matthew Tulsey Jones, and Gabriella Rosa Illyce Parra. He loved both of his boys equally, with wild abandon, and his unconditional love for his boys was an earthly embodiment of the unfathomable holy love of Jesus Christ.

Dad is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lula Jones, one brother John Harry Jones, one sister, Janice Jones, Maternal grandparents, John and Lizzie Kernell, and Paternal grandparents Harry and Lizzie Jones.

Dad is survived by his two sons, A-yo Isaiah Tulsey Jones of Seminole, Oklahoma, and Mek-ko Derek Tulsey Jones and Vanessa Illyce Johnson, of Broken Arrow, three grandchildren, Mek-ko Derek Tulsey Jones Jr., Merrick Matthew Tulsey Jones, and Gabriella Rosa Illyce Parra. He is also survived by two brothers, Mark and Tammy Jones of Seminole, Oklahoma, and Richard and Becky Jones of Tecumseh, Oklahoma. Finally, dad is survived by a host of nieces and nephews whom he loved and cherished dearly.

Viewing of dad’s body will be held at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole on April 8, 2022 1-5pm through April 11, 2022. Wake services will be held at Achena Presbyterian Church southeast of Maud, Oklahoma at 7pm on Monday April 11, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Achena Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Kernell Family Cemetery 5 miles west of Seminole. Reverends Kevin Fox and Eric Thlocco will be officiating. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.