Gerald Milton Jones, age 81, of Xenia, Illinois, passed away Sunday, September 26, 2021, at his home.

   Jerry was born April 19, 1940, in Xenia, the son of Milton and Florence (Huene) Jones.  He was united in marriage to Sharon Sue Henson on June 16, 1962, in Flora, and together they shared 49 wedding anniversaries until her death December 24, 2011.

   Jerry served in the Army stationed in Germany.  He had worked for  AMF in Olney and worked in construction.  He was a truck driver and a member of the Teamsters Union.  He enjoyed time spent outdoors golfing, hunting, and fishing.  Jerry liked to frequent the coffee shops and you would rarely see him without his cowboy hat.  He enjoyed gardening and took pride in the salsa he made from his garden tomatoes.        

   He is survived by his children: Marsha (Nick) Pickens of Sailor Springs, Greg Jones of Xenia, and Janet Pavelonis of Flora; 6 grandchildren: Lee Pickens, Bryan Pickens, Stephanie Pickens, Cora Pickens, Carl Carpenter, and Logan Hutchens; 14 great-grandchildren: Carter, Haidyn, Alyson, Aliyah, Jaysanne, Jensen, Davaney, Collin, Norah, Annabelle, Andy, Layla, Kyler, and Zeth; one-to-arrive great-grandchild; siblings: Jim Jones of Flora, Jack Jones of New Athens, Donna (Pete) Gross of Lake Havasu, AZ, Joe (Linda) Jones of Flora, and Ed Jones of Flora; brothers-in-law: Larry Smith of Westland, MI, Jim Henson of Flora, and Cecil (Melinda) Henson of Xenia; and sisters-in-law: Margaret (Gary) Smith of St. Elmo and Kathryn (Don) Kittle of Flora.

   He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a great-grandson: Berklee Pickens; and a sister: Sharon Smith.

   Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering from 1 until 3 p.m. Saturday, October 2, 2021, at the Xenia Community Center.  Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora assisted the family with arrangements.  To share a condolence, visit: www.frankandbright.com