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  • Ken Jones and Jennifer Martin interact on stage in “Here We Sit,” a Duncan Little Theatre production. He also served as stage manager in the production. Derrick Miller/The Duncan Banner

    Civic leader Ken Jones acts up

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    Ken Jones, DLT actor and civic leader

  • Ken Jones volunteered to answer phones during the United Way of Stephens County campaign drive in 2010. Joshua Kellogg/The Duncan Banner

    Civic leader Ken Jones
October 4, 2011

Civic leader with character

Ken Jones gets involved in his community

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — What shapes the character of a community are the people in it, along with how they contribute to make it better.

There is no shortage of active community members in Duncan, however, some seem to go above and beyond. That would include Ken Jones, director of supportive services division at the Association of South Central Oklahoma Governments (ASCOG).

Jones is a Stephens County native and grew up in Central High. After leaving for college, he didn’t return to the county until June 2006, motivated by the responsibility of helping care for his mother.

Presently, during the day, Jones works to make sure the aging and disabled in Stephens and seven other counties, have the best care possible, preferably in their own homes.

“The Advantage Program is a Medicaid-funded program that helps keep people in their own homes,” said Jones. “Without this service, they would be in a nursing home”

However, if they do happen to find themselves in a nursing home, part of Jones’ job is to see to it their rights are being upheld. He and the ASCOG staff follow up on complaints the clients receive in the homes.

Additionally, his office has goals to see the aging and disabled lead a healthy lifestyle. There are 32 nutrition sites throughout the eight counties, and there are about 60 independent senior centers he and his staff watch over.

“We pay for food and utilities and just help keep them open,” said Jones. “By providing nutrition and a place for retired persons to go, you keep them active and healthy and out of long term care.”

Jones’ community work doesn’t stop after he leaves the office. He also serves as secretary for Duncan Rotary, division leader for the United Way campaign, choir member at First Presbyterian Church and day chair for the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Duncan.

He was previously involved with the Trail Dance Film Festival, but resigned this summer because of time issues.

See, these days, much of Ken Jones’ “spare time” is taken up by rehearsals and performances. He’s become a familiar face on the stage in Duncan Little Theatre productions.

Inspired by a young actress, he began taking part in the community theater program.

“Back in November 2009, I was at a Chamber breakfast and Sydney Henricks did a little snippet of ‘The Greatest Christmas Pageant,’” said Jones. “I didn’t know who she was, I just thought, ‘That is an amazing actor.’ So I went to see the play.”

 

After experiencing a DLT performance, Jones decided it was something he wanted to get involved in and began trying out for parts. Although it took a while to get a part, he eventually landed a role in “Evening of Shorts” a year ago.

Jones had never done any kind of acting — unless you count the school play he participated in during fifth grade. However, it didn’t take long before he was hooked on the “rush” of performing.

“It’s just a release,” he said. “I’ve never been much of an artist, but it’s a chance to express yourself in a way I didn’t really know I could do.”

What keeps Jones involved with so many community entities is the enjoyment of meeting new people and maintaining both new and old friendships, which can be traced to another element in his background.

“I had been pastor for many years and I still have that desire to connect to people,” Jones said.

“And it beats staying at home watching TV.”

Although he was raised a few miles down the road, Jones feels his true home is in Duncan, where there are several friends he refers to as “brothers and sisters.” He enjoys spending time with them and knows they would do anything for each other.

“My birth family is in Central High, my chosen family is here,” he said.

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