Jean Jones

ANNA, Ill. -- Dr. Jean P. Jones, 95, of Anna died Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, at Capetown Assisted Living.

He was born March 11, 1923, in Pope County, Illinois, 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. Jean grew up on a farm next to the park.

Following his graduation from Golconda (Illinois) High School, Jean served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He became a sergeant and was sent to radio operator school in Los Angeles. 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, Jean attended Monroe College of Optometry on the GI Bill. Following his graduation from Monroe College, he settled in Anna and opened his optometry practice.

Feb. 16, 1957, Jean 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.

Jean was an avid pilot and loved to fly, ride motorcycles and boating. He enjoyed flying from Anna to his parents' home in Dixon Springs, Illinois, 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; daughter, Shirley Stovall; brothers, James E. "Jim" Jones, Julius W. "Doc" Jones, Joseph R. "Pistol" Jones and Jack L. Jones; and sister, Jessie R. Jones Veach.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Paul Sadler officiating. Interment will be in Casper Cemetery near Anna. Graveside military rites will be conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post 3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the Illinois Army National Guard Military Honor Team of Marion.

Memorial contributions may be made to the donor's choice.

To view the obituary and leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.

Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.