Dr. Jean P. Jones
Dr. Jean P. Jones, 95, of Anna, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, at Capetown Assisted Living in Cape Girardeau.
He was born on March 11, 1923, in Pope County, the son of Ray C. and Ruth J. Whiteside Jones.
To his family, he was known as “Pete.” His grandfather, Julius Adolf “Ado” Whiteside, owned what is now Dixon Springs State Park. He grew up on a farm next to the park.
Following his graduation from Golconda High School, he served in the Army during World War II. He became a sergeant in the U.S. Army and was sent to radio operator school in Los Angeles, Calif. After school, he was stationed south of El Paso, Texas. He served as a radio operator as part of the 168th AAA Operations Detachment Camp Maxey, Texas. He was very proficient with Morse code, which he used as part of his responsibilities communicating with military aircraft in the region.
After the war, he attended Monroe College of Optometry on the GI Bill. Following his graduation from Monroe College, he settled in Anna and opened his optometry practice.
On Feb. 16, 1957, he married the love of his life, Lorene V. Musgrave. Together, Dr. and Mrs. Jones served thousands of patients from counties throughout Southern Illinois and surrounding areas. Their optometric practice was open for business in Anna for 50 years.
He was an avid pilot and loved to fly, ride motorcycles and boating. He enjoyed flying from Anna to his parents’ home in Dixon Springs, landing in the farm field.
In retirement, Jean and Lorene enjoyed driving around Southern Illinois, visiting with family and watching basketball.
He had a huge sweet tooth; if given the choice, every meal would have started with dessert. Lorene was not only his sweetheart, but the baker of most of the sweets Jean enjoyed throughout his life.
He is survived by two daughters, Sue (Edward) Wahl and Dr. Jean (Dr. Thomas) Diemer, both of Cape Girardeau; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Jerry S. Jones (Becky) of Dixon Springs; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lorene Jones; a daughter, Shirley Stovall; his brothers, James E. “Jim” Jones, Julius W. “Doc” Jones, Joseph R. “Pistol” Jones and Jack L. Jones; and one sister, Jessie R. (Jones) Veach.
Funeral services for Dr. Jones were at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with the Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. Interment was in the Casper Cemetery near Anna.
Graveside military rites were conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard military honor team of Marion.
Memorials can be made in the donor’s choice.
To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.