Ronald R. Jones

Ronald R. Jones

(June 19, 1941 – April 22, 2023)

Ronald R. “Ron” Jones , 81, of Tower Hill, IL, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his family, at 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023 after a brief illness.  His love for his family and his country was unconditional. He had the biggest heart of any man ever.  He never knew a stranger and would give that stranger the shirt off his back, if he thought he needed it.

Ron was born on June 19, 1941 in Holcomb, MO.  He was a stand-out football player in high school and joined the U.S. Navy right after graduation.  He served seven tours in Vietnam as a Navy Seabee and was a decorated soldier.  He received many medals and earned two purple hearts.  He was also selected as an Honor Guard at John F. Kennedy’s funeral.  He retired from the military after serving for 21 years. He never considered himself a hero, simply stating, “It was my job.”  He owned his own construction company in Long Beach, MS, before settling in Shelbyville.  “Ponch” then worked at Continental Bondware for over 20 years before retiring, while going to college to earn and Associate’s degree in Business.  He married Dorothy Ann Powell on April 20, 1973.

He is survived by his son, Jack Jones (always “Jackie” to Ron) and wife Becky (his well-known favorite) of Shelbyville and his daughter, Lisa Watton and husband Jim of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Chris Jones  and wife Samantha, Dani Young, who was his Lil Me shopping buddy (Casey), Nick Young, and Alex Jones and wife Bree, or as Ron called her “His Beautiful Partner”; great grandchildren, Bentyn Congenie, Jackjack Jones and Dillon Jones “Little Man”; and brother, Gary Jones of Wendzville, MO.

He was always so proud of his children and his grandchildren, but his first-born grandchild, Chris, gained a step up when he joined the military. It held special meaning to Ron, as he loved his country fiercely.

Ron is also survived by many other special people who held top spots in his heart.  His nephew, Bobby, checked on “Unc” daily, took him shopping, out to eat, or wherever Ron wanted to go.  Bobby will miss him immensely, as Ron was like a father to him.

Randa also checked on him, took him places and made sure that Lisa was informed if he needed anything.  She also had the privilege of taking him to the gambling boat.

His Jimmy D family deserve high honor on the list of people who loved and cared for him.  They were truly a second family to him, and they will miss him greatly, especially Amber, his road-tripping buddy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Michael “Kewpie” and Lela Marguerite (Lain) Jones; wife, Dorothy; brother, Michael Jones; and sister, Shauna Batson.

In lieu of services, per Ron’s wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 6 ^th at 7:00 p.m. at Jimmy D’s in Tower Hill.  As he always told us, “I did it my way!”  Private burial in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL.   Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.