LaWayne Everett Jones

LaWayne Everett Jones was born Sept. 10, 1931 in Canute to Louis Everett “L. E.” and Annetta Elaine (Gilliam) Jones. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, in Duncan at the age of 92.

The family will greet visitors on Thursday, Oct. 12, between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Whitt Funeral Home. Funeral services are planned for Friday, Oct. 13, at 2 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church West with Rev. Randy Southerland officiating. Serving as pallbearers are his grandsons: Landon Jones, Carter Jones, Noah Jones, Everett McPhail, Harry McPhail, and Sal Carter D’Amato. Honorary pallbearers are Sam Daube, Leland Hartley, Kent Courkamp, L.C. Henderson, and Bill Taylor. Interment will follow at Fairlawn Cemetery, Comanche, under the direction of Whitt Funeral Home.

After graduating from Walters High School, LaWayne put himself through college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford by roughnecking in Cheyenne, Wyo. during the summers. The L. E. Jones history in the drilling industry began in 1955 with a partnership of LaWayne, his father L. E. Jones, and his uncle Edwin G. Gilliam. Under LaWayne’s leadership, L. E. Jones Drilling grew into a 14-rig company that was known for its safety, honesty, and integrity along with outstanding drilling expertise. From that seed came a large multi-company organization with operations in Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico and mineral interests across the nation. LaWayne also owned and operated ranches in Southern Oklahoma and North Texas.

His interest in banking became another accomplishment with the acquisition of First Bank & Trust Company. Today First Bank & Trust has locations in Duncan, Ardmore, Norman, Healdton, Waurika, Edmond, Stroud, Perkins and Wellston. He took great pride in the growth of the bank.

He loved to play pool at the Moose Lodge where he was a lifetime member. He competed in state and national tournaments and won nationals in Las Vegas. LaWayne was an honorable man and never had anything bad to say about anyone.

LaWayne is survived by his companion, Debra Schwartz; his children: Lance Jones and his wife Nancy of Duncan, and Lana Elliott and her husband Randy of Oklahoma City, Glinda McPhail of Tulsa, Sherri D’Amato of Indian Harbour Beach, Fla.; nine grandchildren: Landon Jones, Carter Jones, Noah Jones, Elaine Elliott, Anna Elliott, Everett McPhail, Harry McPhail, Sal C. D’Amato, Shelby D’Amato and four great-grandchildren: Cameron, Gabriel, Michael, and Luxington.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters: Donna Lea Jones and Otha Lea Jones.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.