Maurice Wayne Jones

Maurice Wayne Jones, a son of the south, was born in West Monroe, Louisiana, November 2, 1933. He passed on November 12, 2026, shortly after his 93rd birthday. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Lora Willis Jones, of Annandale, NJ; his nephews, Keith Kirby, of New Mexico and David Edwards, of Minnesota, as well as his large extended tribe of cousins through Lora’s family. His parents were Gerald Jones and Billie Lorena Davis Jones.

In the days of Model T cars and gravel roads, Gerald and Billie journeyed across Texas to Louisiana with Billie worried about highway robbers all the way. She got a cardboard tablet to keep her notes in and carefully slit open the lining in which to hide their money. They made it safely to West Monroe where they settled and raised their family. Dorothy Jo and Geraldine, Maurice’s older sisters, preceded him in death.

Maurice grew up on the banks of the Ouachita River. In his early years he entertained himself fishing and boating, which led to his life long love of nature and outdoors sports.

At Ouachita Parish High School, where he met Lora in his senior year, he participated as a tenor in the school chorus, and for four years he was named first chair bassoon in the select All Southern High School Orchestra. At his 52nd high school reunion he was awarded a trophy for “same hair,” which he maintained until his death.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from Louisiana Polytechnic University, Ruston. While at Tech he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. After his graduation in 1952, he joined Phillips Petroleum company, assigned to chemical plant design in Borger, Texas.

Maurice married Lora Willis in 1957 in Monroe, Louisiana and she joined him in Borger. They resided in Borger until a transfer to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, headquarters of Phillips Petroleum. From Bartlesville they transferred to New York where he worked in the international division with focus on market development. This position gave him many opportunities to travel the world, with Lora joining him on several memorable trips.

After his tenure with Phillips, he worked for many years with several different engineering companies, ultimately starting his own consulting firm, Intecon. His firm focused on large heating and cooling systems for hospitals in New York City. Long before his retirement he was an avid supporter of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In 1996 he retreated to his home, Southerly, in Annandale where he enjoyed growing giant dahlias, feeding the pond geese, joining friends on horseback treks in Montana, as well as trail rides in New Jersey. Opera remained a primary interest the rest of his life, his favorite opera being Don Carlos. He and Lora continued to travel the world and hone their card playing skills.

Maurice will be remembered for his kind heart, charm, generosity and gentlemanly southern manners.

A memorial reception will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, at the Holcombe-Fisher Mortuary, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Memories will be shared by family and remembrances by friends will be welcomed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Maurice's name may be made to Doctors Without Borders by clicking the link below.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ 08822. For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com.