Michael Drake Jones, affectionately known as Bou, was born July 11, 1996 and passed away on August 22, 2026, at the age of 30.
From an early age, Drake had a love for sports and a natural athletic ability that was impossible to miss. He began playing YMCA football and baseball, and even as a young boy, there was something special about the way he could throw a baseball or a football. Drake was a gifted baseball player, excelling both at the plate and on the pitcher’s mound. Pitching became one of the places where his talent truly shined, and he went on to leave his mark on Lumberjack baseball history, ranking second in school history in strikeouts by a pitcher. But as much as Drake loved baseball, football held a special place in his heart. His ability as a quarterback became evident early. In seventh grade, Drake was moved up to the junior high team, giving him valuable experience that would help shape the years ahead. By the middle of his freshman season, he had been called up to quarterback the Senior Lumberjacks for the remainder of the year, helping take the team into the state playoffs. Drake continued leading the Lumberjacks throughout high school, starting at quarterback during his sophomore year and again during the latter half of his junior season. By his senior year, the team was unquestionably his to lead. That final season became one his family, teammates, coaches, and community would never forget. Drake quarterbacked the Lumberjacks all the way to the State Championship game, where they faced Booneville in a game played through lightning, thunder, and pouring rain. The Lumberjacks came heartbreakingly close, falling 14–12, but the final score could never diminish what Drake and his teammates had accomplished together. Over the course of his high school career, Drake quarterbacked the Lumberjacks through four state playoff appearances and ten playoff games. His senior year brought one of his greatest individual honors when he was named the Outstanding Offensive Football Player of the Year in Arkansas Class 4A. Football opened another door for Drake after graduation when he was offered a scholarship to play at Ouachita Baptist University. He gave college a try, but it didn’t take long for Drake to realize that his path was leading somewhere else. In true Drake fashion, his family could simply say, college didn’t like Drake, and Drake didn’t like college. So, he left school, went to work, and began finding his own way in the world. He tried a few different things before eventually finding a career he truly loved with Deep Well Services. The oilfield suited Drake—the hard work, the responsibility, the camaraderie, and the opportunity to continue proving himself. He worked his way up and, at the time of his passing, proudly held the position of Lead Hand Two. Drake was still looking toward the future. He planned to attend well control school during his next set of days off and was preparing to take his Operator Qualification test soon. He was building a career he was proud of and continuing to work toward the next goal, just as he had always done. And somewhere between the football fields of his younger years and the long days of building a career, Drake found something more precious than any championship, award, or job title—he found Autum, the love of his life.
The athlete in Drake knew how to compete. The working man in him knew how to put in a hard day’s work. But those who knew him best will remember that Drake’s greatest accomplishments weren’t measured in strikeouts, touchdowns, playoff games, awards, or job titles. They were found in the people he loved, the family he built, the friendships he made, and the life he created with Autum and their children.
Those were the things that mattered most to him, and they are the pieces of Drake that will live on.
He was a devoted father, loving fiancé, cherished son, grandson, and brother, gifted athlete, loyal teammate, and true friend. Above all, Drake loved deeply and cared fiercely. He was protective of those who mattered to him, with a heart much bigger than he sometimes let others see. His unmistakable laugh, contagious smile, and vibrant personality could turn an ordinary moment into an unforgettable memory.
At the center of Drake’s world was the family he was building. He is survived by the love of his life and fiancée, Autum Allsbrooks, and his beloved children, Bodie Ray and Everly Fay. Being their dad was one of the most important roles he ever held, and they will forever carry his love, spirit, strength, and personality with them.
Drake is also survived by his mother, Karon Marks, and stepfather, Jeff Marks; his father, Michael “Mike” Jones, and stepmother, LeeAllison Jones; and his grandparents, Bill and Connie Jones. His parents’ and grandparents’ love helped shape the man he became and provided him with unwavering love, guidance, encouragement, and support throughout his life. Their bond was built on trust, loyalty, and unconditional love.
He is survived by his brothers, Hunter Stafford and fiancé, Marissa; Nate Jones; Garrett Marks and wife Ashlynn, best friend and brother Austin Grider and wife, Nora, Ray Jackson and wife Marina; his sister, Becky Rainbolt and husband, Jeremy; his aunts, Kelly Smith and Tammie Cotham, his uncle Matt Raper and wife Carrie; his cousins, Gracie and Jaycie Smith, Caleb, Ana’Aleece, and Zackery Raper.
Drake was a much-loved uncle to his nephews, Brady, Kolton, Knox, Wyatt, and Truiett and his nieces, Presleigh, Skylar, Aubree, and Scarlett.
Through the life he built with Autum, Drake also gained a second family. They welcomed him with love and became his family in every way that mattered. Their bond was defined not only by blood, but by the love they shared and the family they chose to become.
Drake leaves behind many treasured friends, coaches, and teammates. To know him was to have a story—some that bring tears and others that still make people laugh until their sides hurt. Those stories and memories will remain part of his legacy.
Drake is preceded in death by his beloved Mimi, Janet Mayo Young and his grandfather, Robert Young.
Thirty years could never have been enough for those who loved Drake. His life is measured not only in years, but in the people he loved, the family he built, the children who carry his legacy, the friendships he formed, and the countless lives he touched.
Though his family would give anything for more time, the love Drake gave during his one life and one chance is something death can never take away.
God doesn’t take anyone from this Earth before they serve their purpose. Drake’s purpose was to find and save Autum and to love her and their children which he did unconditionally.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 28, 2026 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Warren, AR with a visitation starting one hour prior. Arrangements by Frazer’s Funeral Home.
