Canton – Richard Lee “Dick” Jones, 88, of Canton, passed away on March 24, 2018 at Graham Hospital. He was born in Canton on March 9, 1930, the son of Guy and Jessie (Stephens) Jones.
His parents and one brother, Larry A. Jones, preceded him in death.
A 1948 graduate of Canton High School, he married Beverly J. Winter on July 22, 1951. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage until her death in 2003. He later married Lou Betzer, who survives.
Dick is survived by three daughters, Jan Hardy of Oconomowoc, WI; Duenna (William) Karner of Barrington, RI; and Regina (Michael) Fitzgerald of Bethany, as well as six grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Also, one stepson, Rob (Julia) Betzer of Atlanta and two step-grandchildren.
He served his country in the Artillery Unit during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. As a veteran, he was invited in 2012 to join the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight from Springfield to Washington, D.C., to visit the war memorials there.
He was employed by International Harvester for 36 years, retiring in 1984 when the plant closed. He was a tool and die maker and then a designer, as well as a UAW member, serving as a steward and for 13 years as President of Local #1333, Clerical and Technical. He was also on the board of the Canton Works Credit Union. He subsequently was employed by NTN Bower Co. in Macomb as a tool designer and troubleshooter, retiring in 1990.
Dick Jones devoted a lifetime to service to his community, church, family and friends. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for more than 60 years, serving in multiple capacities including Trustee, Administrative Board Member, Sunday School Teacher, Kids’ Club volunteer, and for eight years was the church’s representative to the board of the East Elm Complex. He was also an original volunteer for Canton Meals on Wheels and delivered meals to the homebound for more than 30 years. One of his proudest achievements was his role in developing the War Veterans Memorial in Lakeland Park from its inception to reality.
A dedicated outdoorsman, he was a lifelong duck and goose hunter and catfish trot-liner. He was well-known and respected for his award-winning vegetable gardens. He took great pleasure in sharing his bountiful harvests with his family, friends, and neighbors.
Services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton, IL. Rev. K. Bruce Rushing will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow the services at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL. A visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Wednesday. March 28, 2018 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials can be made to Canton Meals on Wheels, Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, or Wesley UMC Reconstruction Fund. To make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
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