Oren William Jones

Oren William Jones, age 69 of Gatesville, passed away on January 31, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 8 at Lakeair Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Waco at 2308 N. Valley Mills. Private family interment at Seaton Cemetery in Leon Junction will be held at a later date. Memorial services will also be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 15 at the Gatesville Senior Center, 208 N. Lutterloh in Gatesville.

Oren William Jones was born on May 16, 1955, in Alameda, California to the late Donna Vera Ladd and John Owen Jones.

Oren was born the eldest triplet, followed by Orrie George and then Owen Frank. They were the first official set of triplets born to the United States Navy and their middle names correspond to the name of each doctor who delivered them. Oren grew up in Atoka, Oklahoma and married the love of his life, Dorthy Mae Smith on July 6, 1973. Dorthy was the youngest of seven children. On November 12, 1973, their daughter Hesper Dawn was born.

In adulthood, William worked as a welder and eventually as a nuclear power plant inspector and supervisor. William will be remembered for his warm and loving spirit and his love for his family. William enjoyed spending his free time fishing with his brother Frank and going on road trips with him to see friends and family. William enjoyed playing guitar at many of his wife’s family functions. He was a Godly man and encouraged others through scripture. William was a gentle, sweet person and a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.

William is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Dorthy; brothers, George and Frank; and brother-in-law, Dale Hall.

He is survived by his daughter; Hesper Dave; grandson, Cameron Bryce Dave; and granddaughter, Jocelyn Bryce Dave; sisters, Stella Hall, Laura Whisenhunt and husband, Richard; brother, John Jones and wife, Kathryn; and sister-in-law Darlene Jones. William was blessed by the love and friendship of the family of John and Loreta Carothers of Waco.