Henry A. Jones, Jr.
Henry A. Jones Jr, 79, of Mason City, passed away at 6:48 am Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at the Illinois Veterans Home, Quincy.
He was born in the Norfolk Naval Hospital, Portsmouth, Virginia, November 26, 1943 the son of Henry (Hank) A. and Dorothy (Dottie) T. (Lehner) Jones Sr.
Henry enlisted and served 4 years in the United States Air Force and an additional 28 years with the Illinois Air National Guard, 183rd Tactical Fighter Group at Capital Airport in Springfield as an Air Technician until his retirement on September 30, 2000.
He was a member of the National Guard Association of Illinois, the American Legion Post 32, and the Spring River Club, Riverton IL. A lifelong athlete, he played both baseball and football for Palmetto High School Panthers, Miami FL until his graduation in 1961; football for the University of Miami Hurricanes; rugby for the Springfield Celts Rugby Club; as well as men’s softball both for the Air National Guard and the over 50, and 60 leagues in Springfield IL; was an enthusiastic Miami Dolphins fan and a diehard Cardinals fan. Henry enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he valued time with friends above all else.
He is survived by his longtime partner Wendy Ratterree of Mason City, IL; his brother Terence E. (Debbie L.) Jones of Fort Pierce, FL; his sister Carol Ann Shad of Brooksville, FL: and several nieces and nephews.
Interment will be 1 PM Friday, March 17, 2023, at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL. Full military honors will be given by the InterVeterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the U.S. Air Force.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 until 5:00 pm on Thursday April 13 at Long Bridge Golf Course, 1055 W Camp Sangamo Rd, Springfield, IL.
Memorials honoring Henry may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home Business Office, 1707 N, 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301; the InterVeterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County, P.O. Box 291, Rochester, IL 62563; or the Animal Protective League, 1001 Taintor Rd., Springfield, IL 62702.
Arrangements are in the care of Duker & Haugh, 823 Broadway, Quincy IL.
Henry was truly one of a kind and will be missed.
What can I say: I loved him, he loved me more deeply than I thought possible. Our first date was fishing and we did a lot of it, even in the midst of alligators in the Everglades. We had a lot in common and enjoyed our life together. Rest in peace, sweetheart…
Cindy,
I really enjoyed playing softball with Henry and having a few afterwards at Spammy’s. He was truly a character and I enjoyed listening to his stories. He truly loved you and made no bones about it. You were a true blessing to him.
Sorry for your loss.
Don Porter
R.I.P. My friend and Comrade in arms. Many great memories from the days in the ANG. Thank you for your service and the great training you gave our son, Eric Cribbett, who retired as a Major from our unit. May GOD be with you and your family.
Wendy,
We are sorry to hear of Henry’s passing.
With our sympathy,
Butch and Cheryl Burlend
On behalf of the senior softball leagues of Springfield, our condolences to Henry’s family, especially to Wendy. Henry’s fun loving approach to playing the game was contagious. He was always a very giving man, and and a cherished teammate….RIP dear friend.
Wendy, We are so sorry for your loss. I will always smile remembering “One moment, please!” on the telephone when I would call you. There are many memories….. and by the way, Henry made the best crab legs ever!
With sympathy,
Henry and Stacie Spradlin
Wendy, I’m so sorry. The very first thing I thought was that, wherever they are, Tom was waiting for him with fishing pole in hand. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Wendy, I am very sorry to hear of Henry’s loss. I played for several years on softball teams with Henry and spent many hours after games discussing our past lives from the 60’s and 70’s. Henry was proud of his accomplishments in high school, college, military, Air Guard, fishing, particularly Rugby and even a little softball. The man knew and loved everyone and everyone loved him. With my sympathy for you and Henry’s family, may he rest in peace.
Wendy, sorry for your loss I enjoyed Henry. He brought me tomatoes every Wednesday along with always a good B.S session I miss him. See you at Longbridge
Henry was a true friend. We had many fun times back when we were young and dumb. I am sad to think I will not have the chance to once more spend an evening with him.
Cindy, I am sorry to just now learn of his passing.