Rodney William Jones
Born: July 15th, 1939
Died: October 17th, 2011
Obituary
Mr. Rodney William Jones, 72, of Burlington died Monday, October 17, 2011, at his home after a yearlong battle against cancer. Born July 15, 1939 in Burlington he was the son of Leslie and Anna Peterson Jones. On January 21, 1967 he married Bettina Weeks at Messiah Lutheran Church. Mr. Jones was a 1958 graduate of Burlington High School. That same year he joined the U.S. Navy and served as a Naval jet mechanic in Pensacola, Florida until 1962. He worked as a welder for Chicago Northwestern Railroad for three years and for J.I. Case Co. for 27 years. After his retirement in 1992, he worked as a lockman for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lock #17 in New Boston, Illinois, retiring in 2006. Mr. Jones was a lifetime member of Messiah Lutheran Church. He enjoyed time spent at his farm and his grandchildren's activities. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Bettina Jones of Burlington; two sons, Tom (Keri) Jones and Rick (Marla) Jones; two granddaughters; three grandsons, one sister, Linda (Stan) Stratton, all of Burlington and two nephews. Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter. Visitation will be from noon until 8 p.m. Thursday, October 20th, in Lunning Chapel where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. The memorial funeral service for Mr. Jones will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 21st, in Messiah Lutheran Church with Pastor Susanne Smith officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Messiah Lutheran Church. According to Mr. Jones' wishes, cremation has been accorded.