William L. Jones

William L. Jones, age 81 of Carlyle, passed away on Friday, September 21, 2018, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois.

Mr. Jones was born on May 27, 1937, in McCall’s Creek, Mississippi, the son of Leon Jerome and Addie Line (McLaurin) Jones.  He was raised in St. Louis, Missouri in the Ville Neighborhood.  During his young adult life, he was a member of the Tom Powell Post Drum and Bugle Corps.  He graduated from Sumner High School in 1954.  He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1955-1958 and doing a 10-month tour in Korea.  After being honorably discharged, he worked several jobs in Los Angeles, California, Chicago, Illinois and including the Greyhound Bus company while living in Atlanta, Georgia.  In 1967 he moved back to St. Louis where he worked for General Motors until his 30 Year retirement in 1997.  Mr. Jones was a founding member of the Marauders Motorcycle Club and was a member and then honorary member from 1974 to 1988.  A lifelong music aficionado, William had an extensive music collection.  During his retirement he developed a love of films and had an extensive film collection with an exceptional African American section.  He also loved watching sports from baseball to hockey to basketball and all in between.  He had a special place in his heart for the WNBA. 

Mr. Jones is survived by 2 daughters – Paula Delores Jones of St. Louis and Muriel Lynn Jones of Lovejoy; his mother – Addie Line Shelton of Carlyle; a sister – Lillie Mae Rowell of Carlyle; and a niece – Gayle Ophelia (Green) Hickey of Wichita, Kansas.

He was preceded in death by his father – Leon Jerome Jones; his step-father – James Shelton; his step-mother – Jessie Lee Jones; 2 sisters – Irene Bryant and Delores Jones; and a brother-in-law – Henry Rowell. 

Remembrance Service and Wake for Mr. Jones will be held October 7, 2018 from Noon to 4PM at the Stonewolf Golf Clubhouse, 1195 Stonewolf Trail, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Jones are suggested to his family and will be received at Zieren Funeral Home.  

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