Bill Jones

Bill Jones passed away on September 5, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri, at the age of 82. He was born on February 2, 1944, in Stanton, Kansas, and grew up on a farm outside of Lane, Kansas, a place that remained an important part of his life and memories.

Bill graduated from Lane High School with the Class of 1962. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1961 through the delayed entry program and attended boot camp in Olathe, Kansas, in 1964. His military career spanned from 1961 to 1982, and he retired with the rank of AMSC, Chief Petty Officer. During his years of service, he lived in California, moved to Georgia in 1976, and later moved to Chicago in 1980.

After retiring from the Navy, Bill continued a life of hard work and service to others. He worked in maintenance for Stevenson High School in the suburbs of Chicago and later for Skokie School District 68. He also earned an HVAC degree from the College of Lake County in Illinois. In 2000, he retired from Skokie School District 68 and returned to Kansas. He purchased 41 acres in Rantoul and built a home there himself, with the help of his family, one of the accomplishments he was especially proud of.

Bill was loving and generous, always willing to help others in any way he could. He was a true tinkerer, someone who enjoyed building things, taking them apart, and finding ways to improve them. Family and friends knew him for his “Hillbilly Engineering,” a gift for practical problem-solving that reflected both his creativity and determination.

He found joy in many things throughout his life. He loved feeding hummingbirds, hunting, traveling across the country, and visiting national parks. As a young man, he often hunted on the same property he would later purchase in Rantoul. When his children were young, the family traveled to many national parks, creating lasting memories along the way. In later years, he devoted time to sewing and quilting, making quilts for his family, another accomplishment that brought him pride. He was also deeply interested in family genealogy, a pursuit that reflected his care for family history and connection.

Bill married Ramona Burgoon, and together they had three children before later divorcing. In July 2001, he met Linda Fogle, his longtime partner, and they remained together thereafter. He was a member of American Legion Post 156, the VFW, the Lane United Methodist Church, and the Moose Club.

He is survived by his daughter, Jeanine (Brian) Hayes, and his sons, David Jones and Robert (Darlene) Jones. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Bryanna Denney, Brett Denney, Kira Jones, Kylee Jones, Alyssa Hayes, Kenneth Hayes, Brian Hayes, and Reiko Holmes each of whom was part of the family he cherished so deeply. He is also survived by his longtime partner, Linda Fogle; his sisters, Betty Heimerman and Frances Bussell; and his brother, Virgil Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Letha Jones, and by his sister, Delores Needham.

Bill will be remembered for his generous heart, his steady willingness to help, his skillful hands, and the care he gave to his family. His life was marked by service, hard work, and the simple joys he loved most, and his memory will be treasured by those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Dengel & Son Mortuary - Paola Chapel, 305 N Pearl Street, Paola, Kansas 66071. Funeral will follow at 11:00 am, also at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow the funeral at the Stanton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to the Lane United Methodist Church, 425 Oak St, Lane, Kansas, 66064.

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