William “Bill” Gene Jones, 71, of Smithton, IL, born Saturday, March 11, 1950, in Belleville, IL, passed away Tuesday, September 28, 2021; at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, IL.
Bill was an independent truck driver and was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL, Freeburg Lodge #418, Scottish Rite Bodies, V.F. W. Post #7074 in Freeburg, IL, and Smithton American Legion Post #937. He loved to fish, camp and BBQ. Bill served in the Marine Corps and is Vietnam War Veteran.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents: Eugene and Cora, nee Hesse, Jones
Surviving are his:
- Wife: Janet Jones of Smithton, IL
- Children
- Stephanie (Daniel) Schatte of New Athens, IL
- Keri (Rudy) Diefenbach of Smithton, IL
- Cal Jones
- Grandchildren
- Brandon Schatte
- Jordyn Diefenbach
- Breanna Diefenbach
- Morgan Schatte
- Sister-in-law: Ardie Dillier
- Several cousins and many friends
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 – 8:00 pm, Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL with a Masonic Service at 6:30 pm.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, October 4, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Dr. Robert Koch officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
6 Comments To "William “Bill” Gene Jones"
#1 Comment By Robert (Robin Rocker) Votrain On September 29, 2021 @ 4:44 pm
Bill and I were closer to being brothers than cousins growing up. As I spent almost as much time at Cora and Gene’s house as I did my own home. Lots and lots of memories…
#2 Comment By Gary Smith On October 17, 2022 @ 5:18 pm
Hello Robin,
My name is Gary Smith,I am your cousin.My mother Irene teresa Smith (Hesse) the sister to your mother Alyce Geoppo,,and Cora Jones.I’m writing as I have just learned of the sad news of Bill Jones Cora’s son.I remember in 1967 my mother and dad and myself drove back to New Athens Illinois to visit the family,This is when I met all of my mothers brothers and sisters, cousins etc.I also remember being put to work lifting large bales of hay onto the back of a truck! My
mother and myself flew back again in 1971 after my dads passing in 1970.I remember riding a mini bike all around the property.
Your cousin,Gary Smith
#3 Comment By Chris Gutierrez On September 30, 2021 @ 4:11 pm
Bill, you were such a special man. Thank you for taking such great care of my sweet Janet! So grateful for our last BBQ! You leave a giant hole in everyone’s heart. Until we meet again…
#4 Comment By Laura Baeres On October 2, 2021 @ 9:53 am
So grateful to have had you in my life. I will forever miss listening to you tell the stories from your life adventures. The love and caring you and Janet share is an inspiration to us all. You will be forever missed my friend❤️
#5 Comment By Ron & Lynn Peters On October 2, 2021 @ 5:34 pm
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of Bill’s family members, he really was one of the “Good Guys”. He will be missed especially by the close group of Veteran friends in the Community. We will always remember the way he welcomed us when we were the new family in town. His Wings are legendary around here! May you find comfort in knowing he is now proudly serving the Lord. Rest In Peace friend.
#6 Comment By Ardie Dillier On October 12, 2021 @ 10:44 pm
Could not have ask for a better brother in law . Kind and compassionate. Always willing to help until his health would not allow it. He will be greatly missed
Ardie Dillier