Brent A. Jones

Brent A. Jones, 66, of Robinson, IL, passed away on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. He was born July 7, 1954, in Bushnell, IL, the son of George H. Jones & Lorraine (Miller) Jones. He grew up in Richland County, where his father owned and operated the local Rural King. It was here that he was ingrained with the work ethic that would serve him well for the rest of his professional career. Brent would do his part by cleaning the store, with the incentive being that he and his dad would take the train up to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs and the Cardinals go head-to-head. His love of St. Louis baseball never waned, and he was a proud Redbird fan until the very end. Upon graduating from Richland County High School in 1972, Brent attended Culver-Stockton College to play football and went on to enroll at Olney Central College before finishing his education at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Early in his career, he opened his own Rural King store in Mount Carmel, IL, before opening another in Robinson in 1982. In doing so, Brent provided the area with impeccable, personal service. He worked nearly every day and often brought work back home with him. In fact, it was not uncommon for Brent to receive calls in the middle of the night, and he would often open up for local farmers in need. Through Rural King, he enjoyed a long partnership with the Robinson Chamber of Commerce, and he was also a member of the Robinson First United Methodist Church and of Quail Creek Country Club, with whom he served on the board for many years. Though he enjoyed his life's work, he quickly recognized that he needed to find a way to detach from the stresses of running a business. Golf was able to provide him with just that. As a young man, he'd be out on the course at the end of nearly every workday, and though he had gotten away from it for a while, he recently picked the clubs back up. He was also able to recharge on his family's annual beach vacation, which he looked forward to with anticipation every year, as it presented him an opportunity to spend time with those he cherished most in this world. The latter years of his life found him taking on the role of "Papa Jones" to his two grandsons. They were each the apple of his eye and brought life to his living. In fact, few things brought him more joy than simply spending time with them, and Mason, in particular, turned out to be a pretty good fishing buddy! Those fortunate enough to know him will remember Brent Jones as a family man who lived with humor and a generosity of spirit that made the world around him a better place. We are thankful for the gift of his 66 years with us and for the legacy he leaves behind in the hearts of his friends and family. He is survived by his mother, Lorraine Jones; by his daughters, Sydney & Derrick Koehne and Erin & Zach Thompson; by their mother and his best friend, Tammy Jones; by his grandsons, Mason and Luke Koehne; by his siblings, Mark & Cindie Jones, Kathy & Richard Leathers, Brad & Susanne Jones, Greg & Darva Jones, George & Robin Jones, Lisa & Doug Crocker, and Paul & Donna Jones; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, George H. Jones, and by his brother, Ura "Gene" Jones. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the "NOW Program" or to the "Robinson Food Pantry". Checks may be mailed to: Goodwine Funeral Homes 303 E Main St. Robinson, IL 62454