Memorial Service for Jay DeNoya was held May 9, 2022.

On the morning of May 3, 2022, Louis “Jay” DeNoya III, at 76 years old, died peacefully with his wife and son by his side in Enid, OK. Jay was born in Pensacola, FL on September 15, 1945 to Betty and Louis J. DeNoya II.

At a young age, Jay’s family relocated to Osage County where his family became involved with ranching. Jay attended and graduated from St. Mary’s School, Ponca City, in 1963. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted and served in the U.S. Navy beginning in 1964, where he was deployed to Vietnam, and decorated with several medals including a special Navy Unit Accommodation Ribbon before being honorably discharged in 1968 as the rank of 3rd Class Personnel Man.

After his service in the military, Jay returned to Ponca City to begin his welding career for various employers and eventually becoming self-employed with his own welding business for many years. He later worked for various employers before retiring in 2007.

In 1975, while working in Tonkawa, Jay met the love of his life, LaDonna Ailey, at Mary’s Café. Six months after meeting, Jay and LaDonna exchanged vows to start their life together of 46 years. In 1979, they were blessed with their son, Justin Wade DeNoya.

Jay’s work ethic was one of a high standard in all he approached. He enjoyed building jeeps with his son Justin where they took many trips rock crawling and camping together. Jay would say that his favorite time is the time he spent with his wife, his son, his daughter-in-law and even his “granddog” Rallee.

Jay is survived by his wife LaDonna, son and daughter-in-law Justin and Chrystal, and his brothers Lee DeNoya and Ted DeNoya. He was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Betty DeNoya, his brothers Dean DeNoya and Mike DeNoya, his nephew Mike DeNoya Jr. and a niece Megan DeNoya.