Donald R. Jones

July 25, 1936 - January 17, 2022

Donald R. “Jonesy” “Papou” Jones, age 85, of Bradley went peacefully home, surrounded by his loving family, on Monday, January 17, 2022 at his home. He was born July 25, 1936 in Tuscola, the son of Donald & Anna (Dick) Jones. Don married Katherine Stavros on May 17, 1959 in Kankakee. She preceded him in death in April 2001. Don was a Machinist. He enjoyed bowling, shopping, collecting cars and knives, and Ford memorabilia. Above all, he loved his family. He was a giver and very selfless. Don was excellent at playing cards. He was a pushover for “batting eyelashes” of his grandchildren. He lovingly answered to many names, including Don, Bob, and Robert. He was an avid Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and Chicago Cubs fan. Donald was a veteran of the United States Air Force. He was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Greek Orthodox Church. Surviving are one son, Peter D. & Meleah Jones of Ocean Spring, MS; two daughters, Georgeia & Darvin Smith of Bourbonnais and Cassondra & Jeff Kirkton of Kankakee; two sisters, Marilyn Drolet of Bradley and Sally & Steve Birr of Bourbonnais; five grandchildren, Billie Kirkton, Ashtyn Kirkton, Gregory (Sarah) Jones, Marisa Jones, an Courtney (Brian) Scott; two great-grandchildren, Lucille Scott and Everett Scott; his very special sweetheart, Diane Metcalf, her wonderful family; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Katherine Jones, Donald is preceded in death by his parents; and his siblings, Patti Bender, Philip Jones, Nancy Reck, Charles E. Jones, James Jones, and Stephen D. Jones. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of the 2 p.m. funeral service on Friday, January 21, 2022 at Schreffler Funeral Home in Kankakee. Rev. Scott Henley will officiate the service. Entombment will follow at Mound Grove Gardens in Kankakee. The service will be live-streamed: https://youtu.be/lA6UIefcPvc Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.