Richard Leslie Jay

Richard Leslie Jay, age 66, passed away on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Ascension St. John’s Jane Phillips Hospital in Bartlesville, Oklahoma surrounded by family. Richard was born in Caney, KS on April 27, 1957, to Donald Leslie and Geraldine (Wilson) Jay. He attended Copan School and graduated in 1977. While in school he played baseball, was a Cub Scout, a Webelo, a Boy Scout, and participated in FFA. While he was in high school, Richard attended Tri County Tech in Bartlesville to become a machinist. During summer months while in school, Richard hauled hay and was also employed by Joe Plunk, learning to work on small motors. He learned oilfield work while working for Douglas and Dwayne Anderson. Richard served his country as a member of the United States Army, being stationed in Ft. Polk, LA where he served as a heavy equipment mechanic. Mr. Jay then went to work for Reda Pump and Superior Welding. In 1980, Richard began working with the Corp of Engineers in Washington Cove clearing trees, marking roads, and laying rock at the boat ramps. He then went to work for Rollins Construction in 1982 laying new water lines for the city of Copan. He did roof work with Walton Roofing and then joined Oilfield Pipe and Supply where he worked as a welder, travelling throughout the country razing huge oilfield tanks. After twelve years, he went to work for Stevens Pipe in Louisiana building commercial gates and fences. Health concerns caused Richard to move back home where he worked several jobs out of his shop for his local friends. In his recent years he enjoyed spending time with his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He especially enjoyed watching his three oldest great-nieces participate in basketball and volleyball at Wesleyan Christian School; attending all home games or close to home when his health allowed. He was also active with the Copan Senior Citizens. The highlight of his working career was living next door to Dwayne Anderson and learning “everything he knew about car engines”. Richard is survived by his mother, Geraldine Jay of Copan, sister Lorraine Thomas and brother in-law, Warren Thomas of Bartlesville. Nieces, Lindsey Denison (Daniel), Cassie Conner (D’Wayne) of Bartlesville. Nephews, Chase Miller (Kacy), Raymond Thomas (Bailey) and Brodie Thomas (Mikayla) of Bartlesville. Great-nieces and great-nephews, Allie and Lydia Conner, Karis, Judah, Josiah Denison, Clint and Asher Miller, and Aria and Shephard Thomas as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Jay; twin brother, Ronald Jay; brother, Leonard Jay; and grandparents, Leslie and Lutie Jay and Oney and Flora Wilson. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 10-8, at the Davis Family Funeral Home - Dewey Chapel. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. on Thursday, at the Fairview Cemetery, Niotaze, KS with Pastor Greg Buie officiating. Services are under the direction of Carter Davis and the Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel. Online condolences and remembrances may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Richard Leslie Jay

April 27, 1957 - December 9, 2023