Robert Jones

Robert Gene Jones, 96, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 9:02 p.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the home of his daughter in Alton, Illinois.

He was born July 12, 1929, in Elliott, Illinois, a son of the late James Albert and Nettie Alice (Charles) Jones.

He married the love of his life, Esther “Louise” (Ballard) Jones on August 21, 1954, in O’Fallon, Illinois and she passed away on October 22, 2017. They shared 63 years of wonderful memories.

The Senior Master Sergeant proudly served his country with 23 years of dedicated service in the United States Air Force. He was a veteran of the Korean War and the recipient of many medals and recognitions for his service. He later retired from McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis after 23 years of service as a training instructor. Following his career of service, he worked in maintenance for Maryland Manor Apartments in Granite City for several years.

Robert was a longtime member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Granite City and the Granite City Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed his days of gardening, traveling, fishing, camping and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed watching sports and was a fan of the Fighting Illini football and basketball and a fan of the Chicago Cubs. He cherished his grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his family and friends.

He is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Joni and Scott McCormick of Alton; two grandsons and their wives, Christopher and Marissa Fraley of Glen Carbon and Justin and Vanessa Fraley of Dow; two great grandchildren, Camden and Ilse Fraley; many nieces and nephews; other extended family and friends.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Dennis H. Jones and thirteen siblings, Lucille, Leslie, Larston, Everett, Ruth, Goldie, Merle, Bethel, Donald, Vernon, Harold, James and Ike.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until time of a funeral service at 1:00 p.m.

Burial with military honors will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of his wife or to The Wounded Warrior Project and may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com