Ivan R. Jones – Fairfield

Ivan R. Jones, lifelong Wayne County resident, passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 19 in Columbia, Missouri at the age of 91. He was born on May 2, 1928 to John D. and Gertrude (Barnard) Jones near Sims, IL.  He was united in marriage to Doris Gooch on September 20, 1953 in Fairfield and she preceded him in death in 2015.

Ivan attended grade school in the Sims area and later graduated from Fairfield Community High School in 1946. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy upon graduation and honorably served two tours of duty during the Korean War until 1952. He was the owner and operator of Jones Steam Service for many years and later Jones Drilling and Production Company. In 1995, he was honored with the lifetime Achievement Award by the Illinois Oil & Gas Association.

A lifetime fisherman and boating enthusiast, Ivan spent many years on his houseboat at Kentucky Lake with his family and friends. He made a yearly fishing trip to the Canadian wilderness as a member of the Canada Club.

He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Tom) Mussatt of Columbia, Missouri and son, Steven Jones of Springfield, IL, one granddaughter, Courtney Mussatt of Plainfiled, Indiana and one grandson, Christopher Mussatt of Columbia, Missiouri, one sister, Doris Marshall of Wayne City, IL and several nieces and nephews including Linda Adams of Wentzville, Missouri. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, sister, Fern Gregg of Goreville, Illinois and his beloved wife Doris.

Funeral services for Ivan will be held at 2 pm Sunday, February 23 at Nale’s Funeral Home in Fairfield.  A Visitation will be held from noon until the time of the service on Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery with full military rites provided by Anthony Wayne Post 176 American Legion and Wayne Memorial Post 4535 VFW.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Wayne Memorial Post 4535 VFW and can be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be left for the family at www.nalesfuneralhome.com.

Nale’s Funeral Home of Fairfield are in charge of the arrangements.