October of 2017 our Commander Tom Jones lost a courageous 3 year battle from several illnesses. The Commander was serving his second term.  Commander Jones, Navy, served as a Corpsman with a Marine Recon Team in Vietnam. His biography is lengthy as well as his achievements.  He served his family and all veterans with passion.

1944 - 2017

Springfield, IL—Thomas R. "Ricky" Jones, Sr., 72, of Springfield, died at 2:10 a.m., Saturday, October 7, 2017. He was born November 17, 1944 in Quincy, IL. He was preceded in death by his mother, Kathryn Jones-Mayberry and grandmother, Bessie Jones. He married Carol Irwin on February 11, 1987 in Scottsdale, AZ.

Surviving are his wife, Carol; four children, Geniel "Joy" (Correy J.) Bratton of Elk Grove, CA, Antonett Marie "Toni" (Jonathan) Cox of Waterloo, IA, Thomas R. Jones, Jr. of Chicago, and Paul William (Earlene Foster) Sandefur III of Peoria; brother, Ralph (Harriet) Douglas of Saginaw, MI; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vietnam veteran, public servant, author of Lost Survivor, Tom affected all who knew him deeply with his equanimity born of experience. There was no greater advocate for veterans.

Visitation at 11:00 a.m. to be followed by Celebration at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, October 16, 2017 at Camp Butler National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, cards, and contributions, make donations in Tom's name to any local veterans' organization.