Lewis Edward Jones

Bro. Lewis Edward Jones was born on May 10, 1946, in Jasper, Texas, to Elbert Allen Jones and Annie Mae (Byerly) Jones. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on November 19, 2025, in Lufkin, Texas, at the age of seventy-nine years. Though his family's hearts are broken by his passing, they rejoice in knowing he is now in the presence of the Lord he loved so deeply.

Lewis loved the Lord, and he dedicated his life to fulfilling God's purpose in this world. He had a special gift for truly seeing people, no one was invisible to him-and he was happiest when he was helping others. He loved children, and the children loved him in return. Gentle, patient, and kind, Lewis was a wonderful provider for his family and a powerful example of a strong work ethic, lived out with humility and grace.

For many years, Lewis worked diligently in his own insurance agency. Eventually, he felt the Lord calling him into full-time ministry, and he answered that call wholeheartedly. Lewis then devoted the remainder of his life to pastoring and sharing the gospel. He served faithfully as the pastor of First Baptist Church of Groveton for twenty-eight years, shepherding generations of families through life's joys and sorrows. He was honored with the Evangelism Award from the statewide Baptist Convention, a reflection of the countless lives he led to Christ. He was also awarded the W.A. Criswell Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lewis loved the ministry, and he especially enjoyed ministering to children and to those who felt forgotten. He spent many years going into the prison system, sharing hope and the message of God's grace with those who needed a helping hand and a second chance. There, he became affectionately known as "Popcorn Jones" to the many friends he made behind those walls. He served on the board of directors for Pineywoods Baptist Encampment, where he helped reach and encourage youth from all over the area. In addition, he served on a board assisting with child protective services, advocating for children and youth who needed a strong voice on their side. He was widely recognized for the number of lives he touched through baptism and through leading others to find the Lord our God.

Lewis loved the Groveton community and enjoyed being involved in many activities throughout the town. Whether in the pulpit, visiting in homes, cheering on local events, or simply offering a kind word in the grocery store, he lived his faith in everyday ways. His life was a living testimony of love, service, and unwavering faith. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved his family beyond measure.

Lewis is preceded in death by his father, Elbert Allen Jones; mother, Annie Mae Jones; brother, Elbert Allen Jones, Jr.; sister, Willie Mae Jones Jacks; and sister-in-law, Frances Merle Jones.

He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Darleen Jones of Groveton, Texas; son, Michael Edward Jones and wife, Sheila, of Bullard, Texas;
daughter, Lisa Kay Kotyk and husband, Ronald, of Anchorage, Alaska;
son, Steven Lewis Jones and Michelle, of Trinity, Texas;
son, Mark Lynn Jones and wife, Jamie, of Friday, Texas.

Grandchildren: Jeremy Jones and wife, Brittany, of Tyler;
Jason Jones and fiancée, Caitlin Roberson, of Tyler;
Michael Dennis Cochran and wife, Dawn Marie, of Seattle, Washington;
Christi Kay Cromeens and husband, Kevin, of Woodlake;
Hayden Jones and wife, Gabriella, of Trinity;
Lainey Jones of San Diego, California;
Abbigail Jones of Trinity;
Adam Jones of Trinity;
Cole Jones of Houston;
Trent Jones and Angela of Livingston;
Kenzie Nicole Amberson of Groveton;
John Falls, Jr of Livingston; Isaac Amberson of Missouri.

Great-grandchildren: Emma, Isabella, Beau, Harper, Finley, Eden, Easton, Elijah, Ethanel, Ember, Rebecca, Sawyer, Stella, Shelby, Darla, Ruby and Rosie, and River.

He is also survived by his brother, James Allen Jones of Jasper, Texas;
brother-in-law, Dewey Ward and wife, Phyllis, of The Villages, Florida;
special friend, Connie Due of Groveton, Texas;
and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.

The family will receive visitors on Saturday, November 22, 2025, beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Groveton.
Celebration of Life services will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Groveton High School Gymnasium, with Rev. Michael Scott of Fort Worth, Texas, and Bro. Matt Sharrock officiating. Interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery in Groveton.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Jeremy Jones, Jason Jones, Kevin Cromeens, Hayden Jones, Cole Jones, and Trent Jones.
Honorary pallbearers will be Adam Jones, Michael Cochran, John Falls, Jr., and Isaac Amberson.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Children's Playground fund at First Baptist Church of Groveton because that was a project near and dear to Bro. Jones' heart.

Though Lewis' earthly journey has come to an end, the love he shared and the faith he lived out will continue to ripple through the lives of all who knew him. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a faithful pastor, and a true servant of God. His family and community take comfort in knowing that he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant," and that they will see him again one day in glory.

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