Vernon Lee "Pops" Jones

Vernon was born on May 26, 1953 in Peoria, IL to Clyde V. and Elsie (White) Jones and was raised by his aunt and uncle, Louie and Phyllis Smith. He married Patricia A. Evans on June 3, 1981 in Peoria.

Vernon is survived by his wife, Patricia; his sons, Thomas Evans of Hanna City, IL and Vernon Lee Jones, Jr. of Farmington, IL; his daughter, Terri Jones of Hanna City, IL; his aunt, Phyllis Smith; his brothers and sisters, Mary Ann Jones, Greg (Karen) Jones, Stan (Darla) Jones, Jack Jones, Jill Jones, Zeda (Mark) Elliott, Louie (Sue) Smith and Kelly (Yevett) Smith, all of Peoria, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his uncle, Louie Smith.

Pops was a machinist for 30 years for Caterpillar, retiring in 2003. He was a member of the Hanna City Sportsman Club, the NHRA, and the Local 974. He was an avid racing fan, but his specialty was drag racing and he enjoyed working on cars.

Services will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel. Rev. Dwight Winnett will be officiating. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Smithville Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.