William M. Jones

William M. Jones was born in Haskell, Oklahoma, on March 13, 1938, to Thomas and Mabel (Bostick) Jones. He went home to be with Jesus on May 7, 2025, at the age of 87.

 

William met the love of his life Shirley Bowen on the day he graduated from Cedarville, AR High School, when he traveled to Missouri with his brother-in-law to visit relatives. They were united in marriage on June 30, 1958, and were looking forward to their 67th anniversary in June 2025.

 

William was a skilled maintenance worker and retired from Rawlings after 20 years of service, then went on to retire from Mid-America Dairy after 20 years of service. William was a very industrious man and, in addition to his full-time careers, he owned a cattle farm, a well pump service, and Willow Winds mobile home park during his life. William was loved and highly spoken of by friends and family. He was a generous man, always willing to lend a hand and would give anyone in need the shirt off his back. He enjoyed sharing his time and talents at First General Baptist Church where he was a member.

 

William had a passion for rebuilding classic cars and could often be found in his garage with his head under the hood of an old car or surrounded by boxes and boxes of car parts and pieces that he knew exactly how to fit back together.

 

William loved to spend time visiting and his home was often full of his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. The dinner table was a favorite place to gather over his favorite sweet treats and coffee.

William was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas W and Mabel (Bostick) Jones; three sisters, Clemmie Manasco, Minnie Glasscock, and Gracie May Whitlock; and one brother Cecil McBride.

 

William is survived by his wife, Shirley Jones; two sons Kenneth Jones and wife Robin, Tom Jones and wife Janet; and one daughter Deana Lewis and husband Steve; five grandchildren, Caleb Jones, Amanda Hagen and husband Tom, Jordan Buffington and husband Joshua, Mara Manley, and husband Ethan, and Kenna Lewis and husband Bill Embry; five great-grandchildren, Emily Jones, Oliver Jones, Lane Hagen, Wyatt Hagen, Grayson Buffington, and the sixth (Buffington) due in September. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

 

A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, at First General Baptist Church in Willow Springs, Missouri, with Pastor Scott Williamson officiating under the direction of Yarber Mortuary, Willow Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Clear Springs Cemetery, 1792 Bradford Road, Willow Springs, Missouri, 65793 or First General Baptist Church, Willow Springs, Missouri. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.