Billy Jones

Billy Wilson Jones, 92, of Smithville, MO passed away February 9, 2017.

He was born on January 25, 1925 to Fred Deacon and Effie Mae (Eldridge) Jones in Arley, MO.  Billy attended grade school in Arley and graduated from Smithville High School where he was active and enjoyed varsity sports.  He later attended the University of Missouri in Columbia.  Billy served his country in the US Army Air Corps during WWII as a navigator for a B-29 Bomber, call name DinahMight.   He served on the Tinian Island in the Philippines, the same time as the first atomic bomb was launched.  He flew in formation with countless other military aircraft, as a protection during the surrendering process of the empire of Japan aboard the USS Missouri.  Billy described the day as one of the most beautiful sights he’s ever been a part of.  

On November 24, 1948, he was united in marriage to Tetter Jane Ecton.  After their marriage, they lived in Smithville where they made their home.  Jane passed away on December 25, 2005.

Billy retired from Ford Motor Company as a parts supervisor.  He enjoyed buying, fixing up and reselling cars.  Billy was an avid Chiefs fan, Royals fan and pitch player.  He loved auctions, garage sales and “negotiating” prices, something he learned from his father.  Billy was a participant, supporter, organizer and multi-elected officer of the Jones-Eldridge Family Reunions, another example of showing how important family is to him.

He was a member of the First Christian Church.  Billy was heavily involved in the debates for Spelman Memorial/St. Luke’s Hospital.

He was also preceded in death by his parents Fred and Effie Jones; son Greg Jones; brother Horace Casey Jones and sisters Fredamae Moog, Marie Rickson, Kathryn Walker and Ruth Chinn.

Billy is survived by his children Reggie Jones and wife Sharon, Alan Jones and wife Elizabeth and Scott Jones; grandchildren Helen Hall and husband Matt, Cassandra Jones, Saxton Jones and wife Laura, Taylor Hopkins and husband Conner, and Sarah Jones, great-grandchildren Savannah, Dakota, Alexa and Kai; other relatives and countless friends.  

Memorial Service:  3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18th at the Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Smithville, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church, Smithville.