Melvin "Mel" Jones

Melvin "Mel" Jones, 90, of Springfield, passed away on Thursday, January, 9, 2014 at Villa Health Care East in Sherman. Mel was born on February 12, 1923, in Forrest City, IL, the son of Donnie and Mary Jones. Mel married Louise Richardson on October 11, 1947, they shared 56 years of marriage together until she preceded him in death in 2004. Mel proudly served our country in the Air Force during WWII, he was enlisted and served at the same time as all five of his brothers. After serving our country, Mel worked for over 35 years for CILCO as a pipefitter and was a member of IBEW Local 51. During his career he was awarded with two Life Saving Awards from National IBEW and American Gas Association, by ordering the evacuation of a building just before a gas explosion occurred Mel saved 11 lives. Mel was a longtime member of West Side Christian Church, he loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was an avid fisherman, aCubs fan, and a longtime member of the NRA.

Surviving Mel are his children: Debby (Roger) Lambert of Schaumburg, Keith (Vickie) Jones of Maryville, Kevin (Diana) Jones of Glenarm, and Bobby (Betty) Jones of Springfield, his grandchildren: Jessica (Fred) Hatchett, Stephen Jones, Valerie and Jenna Lambert, and David and Jessica Hoecker, his great-grandchildren: Jaylen and Evan Flowers, Mya and Dillon Hatchett, Noa Hoecker-Reynolds, and Drew Swise, his brother Don Jones, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Mel in death are his parents, his wife Louise, son David Jones, brothers: Lemuel, Herbert, Garnett "Buck", and Rolin Jones, and 2 grandchildren: Greg Jones and Katie Lambert.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 13, 2014 from 4-7 pm at Bisch & Son Funeral Home, 505 E Allen St Springfield IL 62703.

A funeral service conducted by Rev. Vaughn Beeman will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 12:30 pm at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Sangamon County Interveterans Burial Detail.

Those who wish may make leave a memorial in Mel's name to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight or to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Please share in the Mel's online "Life Remembered Story" at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com