Benny Joe Jones, 76 years of age, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, at Mercy Hospital in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by his family.

Benny was born October 8, 1947, in Murphysboro, Illinois.

After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army's 39th Infantry at Fort Leonard Wood as a Private 1st Class. He was stationed in Germany for sharpshooter training for Vietnam, where he excelled as a marksman on the rifle team. He served in the 101st Airborne from 1966 to 1968.

When he returned from overseas, he married Joyce Reiman at Sato Baptist Church on September 20, 1969. They happily celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family in September of 2019. This September, they would have celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Benny was a devoted father to three children: Sheryl Jones of Springfield, IL, Sandra Witty (Brian) of Jackson, MO, and Greg Jones (Sarah) of Ava, IL. His greatest joy was being around his grandchildren:  Jordan Jones (Payton), Joseph Witty, Samantha Witty, Rhett Jones, Greta Jones, and Embry Jones. He was overjoyed when he became a Great-Grandfather to Grayson Jones in December 2023. He is also survived by his siblings: Bert (Lois) Jones of Ava, IL, Bart Jones of Ava, IL, Beulah (Carl) Dierks of Ava, IL, and Brenda (Mike) Thies of Ava, IL.

He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed attending his grandkids' ball games. Although Benny worked in construction, he loved farming most of all. He enjoyed his daily rides on the Gator around the farm to check on the crops. He also loved deer hunting and running rabbits with the dogs. Every Friday night, he enjoyed gathering with his siblings for supper and on Sundays, having dinner with his kids after church.

Benny was a faithful member of Sato Baptist Church, serving as a trustee and holding perfect attendance for more than fifty years.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Lois Jones; his father, Frank Jones; his brothers Bill Jones, Bob Jones, and Buck Jones; his infant sister; and his in-laws, Geraldine and Frank Reiman.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at Wilson Funeral Home in Ava, with the Reverend Richard Castleman officiating. Burial will follow at the Ava Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening at the funeral home, where friends may call from 5 PM to 8 PM and then on Wednesday, from 7:30 AM until the hour of service. Memorial donations can be made to Sato Baptist Church. To sign guestbook, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net.