Ronald Dean Jones

Ronald Dean Jones, 75, of rural Buffalo, Illinois passed away on Sunday July 20, 2025 at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by his wife, daughter, and best friends. He courageously fought two types of leukemia.    He was Ron to his friends and coworkers and Dean to his family. He loved great music, hot rod cars, animals of all shapes and sizes, including his two Tennessee Walkers, his old donkey Jake, and many beloved dogs past and present.   Ronald Dean was born to Clarence “Ed” and Ruth (Cox) Jones.    After graduating from Springfield High School, Ron graduated from United Electronics Institute in Louisville, Ky., and enlisted in the IL Army National Guard.    Ron married his high school sweetheart, Sheila. They have two children, Byron and Melissa. Ron worked at Dictaphone Corp., and later Word Systems, as a Field Engineer installing and repairing critical public safety and 911 communications equipment all around Illinois.    Ron loved playing music - whether on his full drum set in the basement or tapping on the steering wheel to a good tune. He was always there for his family and friends - helping with home repair, fixing a car, or opening his home to any number of “bonus” kids over the years. Most of all he loved his wife of almost 53 years, his kind and loving children, and his very favorite grandson, Charlie.    Ron is survived by his wife Sheila, daughter Melissa (Jeff) Black;  beloved grandson Charlie Black;  Sister Shirley Brown; brother Wesley (Elsa) Jones; Sister-in-law Rosalie Jones; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved like his own.    He was preceded in death by his beloved son Byron Jones; his parents; brothers Ed Jones and Carl Jones Sr., brother-in-law Ronald Brown; and nephew Wayne Brown.    Instead of a formal visitation and burial service, a celebration of life will be held on Saturday August 16, 2025 from 2-5pm at KC Columbian Center, 2200 Meadowbrook Rd, Springfield, IL 62711.    All of Ronald Dean’s family and friends and others wishing to support the family are welcome to join. Those who knew Ron should come prepared to celebrate his life with a great story, a good laugh, and very few tears.    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - a cause to which Ron had made a monthly donation for years. In remembrance of Ronald Dean, please hug your families, be kind to children, serve your communities, pet all the animals, admire hot rods, and enjoy great music.    He was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed by many.