William Dale Jones

William “Bill” Jones, affectionately known by many as "Willy," passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the age of 77. To know Bill was to love him. With a heart of gold and an infectious sense of humor, he brought laughter and light into the lives of everyone he met.

Born and raised in Harvard, Illinois, Bill was the son of Gordon and Doris (Johnson) Jones. He grew up immersed in his hometown community, attending Harvard schools and participating in Boy Scouts, 4-H, and Harvard Little League. Bill was involved in baseball, football, wrestling, and band at Harvard High School. He was also fondly remembered as the local paperboy, delivering newspapers faithfully from the young age of 10. His dedication to his route earned him the extraordinary honor of attending President John F. Kennedy’s inauguration—a memory he treasured for life. He graduated from Harvard High School in 1965.

After high school, Bill attended Midstate College of Commerce in Rockford, graduating in 1970. It was during this time he was set up on a blind date for a dance, where he met the love of his life, Donna (Hassel) Jones. The two quickly fell in love and were married a year later, going on to celebrate more than 54 beautiful years together.

A lifelong public servant at heart, Bill was proud to serve as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. He served Capron Rescue Squad, Minong Rescue Squad, Walworth Fire Department, and Harvard Fire Department. 

Bill was an accomplished meat cutter, being sure to clarify the difference between being a meat cutter and a butcher. He said the best job he ever had was owning his own meat business, Jones Locker. He fondly recalled having the best crew and had the best bacon and ham in the state - with the awards to prove it! After closing the meat locker, Bill went on to work at Cotter and Company, later known as TruValue, for over 20 years.

Outside of work and service, Bill found joy in being a third-generation harness horseman. He loved raising, training, and racing horses—a passion that connected him to his roots, his son Lance, his racing partners, and his love for cheering on the underdog.

Above all, Bill was a family man. He and Donna raised three children—Tammy, Lance, and Tiffany—and were blessed with three grandsons, whom Bill lovingly called his “pride and joy.” The last 15 years of his life were centered around his grandsons—cheering them on at sporting events, enjoying their visits and phone calls, and treasuring every moment spent with them.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Doris Jones-Grasley; his stepfather, George Grasley; his brother, John Jones; his beloved son, Lance Jones; and his granddaughter, Emma Wogsland. He is survived by his devoted wife, Donna; daughters, Tammy Jones-Perez and Tiffany (Matt) Wogsland; and his cherished grandsons, Jonathan, Joshua, and Samuel. He is also survived by his siblings, Linnea (Steve) Kinney and Tom (Carol) Jones; his sister-in-law, Dee Jones; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends whom he considered family.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 10, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Saunders & McFarlin Funeral Home in Harvard, IL. A second visitation will take place on Friday, April 11, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvard, IL, immediately followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at Mt. Auburn Cemetery.

Memorials will be established by the family at a later date.

Bill's legacy of kindness, service, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

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