Robert Lee Jones' Obituary
Robert Lee “Bob” Jones, 84, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026, in Mt. Zion, IL.
He was born on August 2, 1941, in Colfax, IL, to the late Hubert B. Jones and Lorraine Wilson Jones. He married Frances E. Davis on October 7, 1962, and spent 63 years at her side.
A dedicated worker, Bob retired from the Norfolk Southern Railway after 35 years as a machinist. He had also once been the president of the IAW.
Bob loved sports. He enjoyed catching any Cubs, Bears, or Illini game he could, and was also an avid fan of Millikin Women’s Basketball. This passion also extended to coaching, and he gave many hours to his children’s baseball and basketball teams over the years.
He enjoyed spending his leisure time boating, fishing, and occasionally skiing. Bob and his wife Fran made many memories together, traveling, gardening, and enjoying their grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald H. Jones, George E. Jones and sister-in-law Linda; two sisters, Doris Mitchell and Carol Ravelle; and in-laws, Rollin Davis and Garth and Marilyn Nelson.
Alongside his wife, Fran Jones, he is survived by: three children, Terri Kawczynski and husband Mark, Kelle Richardson, Darren Jones and wife Tara; one brother, Samuel Jones and wife Sharla; one sister, Karen Wire; sister-in-law, Barbara Jones; brother-in-law, Art Mitchell; six grandchildren, Kyle Kawczynski, Andrew Kawczynski, Brandon Richardson, Triston Richardson, Laurel Jones and Braden Jones.
Mr. Jones will be laid to rest at Fairlawn Mausoleum in a private family ceremony. A public celebration of life will be held at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, June 10, at GT Church in Decatur. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to GT Church, 500 S 27th St, Decatur, IL 62521.
In honor of Bob’s love for sports, those who would like to are invited to wear their favorite Cubs, Bears, or Illini gear (those who own Cardinals gear are invited to wear something else). 😊
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