Don H. "Sarge" Jones

Sarge is survived by his wife Marsha (McAvin) Jones and his two daughters; Monica Jones and Kim Moberly (John); both of Springfield. He is also survived by his five grandchildren; Stefanie Turnbull of Springfield, Adam Eardensohn of Charleston, Emily Bartlett (Sam) of Elkhart Indiana, Jacob DeLong of Chicago and Gabi Moberly of Chicago as well as his five great grandchildren; Kaylee Reynolds of Chicago, TJ Turnbull (Raegen) of Springfield, Hudson, Hailey and one great great granddaughter Amyrah. Preceding him in death: His parents Donnie and Mary Jones, brothers; Herb Jones, Garn Jones, Lem Jones, Rolin Jones and Mel Jones, his daughter Cindy Eardensohn (Bob), and his granddaughter Katie Brewer.

Sarge was born in Pekin Illinois on August 25th 1928 and moved to Springfield with his family in the summer of 1935. He attended Hay Edwards Grade School, Lincoln Grade School, Lanphier High School and later, Lincoln Land Community College. After graduating from high school he went to work for Cilco. Sarge enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 and served during the Korean Conflict. He was named outstanding Airman of the Year in 1954. Among the places he was stationed, he always said Dhahran Air Force base in Saudi Arabia was the most memorable as he was able to visit the Holy Land while he was stationed there. Also while in the service his crew had a brief layover in London at the time of Queen Elisabeth’s coronation so he was able to experience all of the excitement of that time. Sarge left the Air Force in 1954 with the rank of Staff Sargent and returned to Cilco as a Gas & Electric Residential Consultant with 36 years of service at the time of his retirement. After retiring from Cilco, Sarge worked as a doorman for the House of Representatives and a security guard at the Illinois State Museum.

Music was always one of Sarge’s passions. He sang in high school as well as in the Airmen’s Coral Group while serving in the military. He was a member of the Barber Shop Harmony Society and sang bass for several area quartets. He and three other barber-shoppers formed the “Tone-Arrangers” in the mid-fifties and sang for several local events and made radio commercials for local businesses.

Sarge faithfully served at the Riverton Christian Church as an Elder, Deacon and as a member of the church’s building committee. One of his favorite ministry opportunities came when he and his buddies started the S.H.A.R.E. ministry; Sharing Hearts at Riverton are Eager. They helped those who needed home repairs and various other projects.

Sarge was active in his community as well. He served on the Springfield Jaycees Board of Directors and was named Jaycee of the Year in 1950. He was on the Springfield Home Builders Association Board of Directors and served as Chairman of the Parade of Homes. As a part of the 1955 Ten Outstanding Young Men of America celebration, Sarge acted as host for Air Force Pilot, Colonel Frank Everest (at that time he was deemed “The Fastest Man Alive”)

Sarge was blessed to take the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. along with 78 of his fellow Veterans. It was a special memory for him that he spoke of often.

He was an avid Fighting Illini and Chicago Bears fan, loved to watch Justin Algaier race and finally got to see his beloved Cubbies go all the way in 2016.

Sarge dearly loved his family, they brought him so much joy. He married his sweet bride on her 21st birthday, February 9th 1955. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Riverton Christian Church 1245 N. 7th St. Riverton, IL from 9:00 am until the time of a funeral service at 10:45 am at the church. Pastor’s Nick Sutton and Brian Atwell will officiate. Burial will follow in Camp Butler National Cemetery where Military Honors will be provided by the U.S. Air Force and the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

Online condolences may be left here for the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424