Byrl E. Jones

Byrl E. Jones, 97, of Robinson, IL, died at 2:15 a.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at the Paris Community Hospital in Paris, IL. He was born June 14, 1920 in Willow Hill, IL, the son of Bert Jones & Bertha (Ridlen) Jones, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Mildred Glenore Ikemire on June 18, 1966, and she preceded him in death on August 2, 2002. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Glenn Jones and Paul Jones. He is survived by his daughters, Melody Tedford (Paris, IL) and Marilyn & Dean Urfer (Robinson, IL); by his step-daughter & step-son-in-law, Kay & Larry Bonnell (Robinson, IL); by four grandchildren, Eric Tennyson, Christal Slaughter, Stephanie Crampton, and Darran Urfer; by two step-grandchildren, Cheryl Hamilton and Doug Bonnell; by 12 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-granddaughter, and several step-great-grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews. Byrl was a graduate of Oblong High School. He proudly served his country as an ammunition supply technician in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Back home, he went to work as a craftsman at Marathon, where he was employed for 35 years before retiring in 1982. Much of his retirement was spent outdoors with friends, Jim McCrory and “Shorty” Clements. Together, they spent countless hours hunting and fishing, and these were some of the best times of his life. He also loved to travel alongside his beloved wife, and they saw much of the continental U.S. through the years. Friends and family alike will remember a kind, gentle soul, who was genuinely liked by all who knew him. He will forever be missed. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22nd at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 23rd at the funeral home with Pastor Tim Watson officiating the service. Burial will immediately follow and will be held at the Robinson New Cemetery, where military services will be conducted by the combined units of the Robinson V.F.W. Post #4549, American Legion Post #69, and Marine Corps League Det #546, and the Flat Rock American Legion Post #132. Memorials may be made to Life’s Journey Senior Living, a mission driven company focused on keeping people out of nursing homes while providing them with a loving, dignified and compassionate home. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.