Walter L. Jones

 Walter L. Jones, 77, passed away early Sunday morning, July 22, 2018 in Keyes, Oklahoma.  Mr. Jones was a longtime rancher from Capitan, New Mexico, and had recently made his home in Keyes.

Walter Lhamon Jones was born on April 22, 1941 in Roswell, New Mexico to Charles and Eleanor Jones.  He grew up on the 9H6 Ranch, north of Capitan, New Mexico in Lincoln County.  He would make the 9H6 his home for the majority of his adult life.  Walt married his high school sweetheart, Betty Walker, on August 19, 1960. They shared 58 years of marriage. 

He is survived by his wife, Betty of Keyes, OK; daughters, Yvonne Jones of Las Cruces, NM; Claudia Latham and husband, Terry of Felt, OK; Michelle (Missy) Jones of Keyes; five grandchildren, Shayne Latham of Kansas City, KS, Crystal Sky Latham of Estancia, NM, Kyle Latham of Austin, TX, Charlie Parker and wife, Samantha of Walsh, CO, Kevin Parker of Odessa, TX; five great grandchildren; his sister, Patsy Greene and husband, Charles of Las Cruces, NM; and nephews, Michael Greene and Wally Greene, both of Albuquerque, NM.

Throughout Walt’s life, he was always dedicated to the youth, especially the youth of Capitan, Lincoln County, New Mexico.  He spent countless hours as a 4-H leader, whether it was passing on his knowledge as a rancher to help the livestock or wool judging teams, or driving a bus full of rowdy teen      4-Hers to competitions. 

Walt served on the Lincoln County Fair Board for more than 25 years.  He wore many hats and had numerous different titles.  He, his family, and other good friends spent many hours designing and building the Lincoln County Fair Grounds for the benefit of the Lincoln County youth, then and for future generations.  During the same time, he served as the secretary of The Smokey Bear Stampede Rodeo in Capitan.  This was celebrated July 4th, and these proceeds benefited the Lincoln County Fair and the Fair Grounds upkeep. 

Many people would recognize him by his voice.  Walt announced local rodeos, livestock and horse shows and the Capitan Tiger football games.

Walt had a full and blessed life.  A life that he dedicated to his Lord and Savior, his wife, family, friends, and to the youth of Lincoln County, then…now and into the future.

Memorial services will be Tuesday afternoon, July 31st, 2:00 PM at Keyes Baptist Church.  Arrangements and cremation are entrusted to Henson-Novak Funeral Directors of Boise City and Guymon, Oklahoma. 

Memorials may be given the Keyes Fire Department or Keyes Baptist Church.  Friends may sign the online guest book and send condolences at www.hensonnovak.com.

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