Jones, William H. (1951)

JONES, MCGRIFF, DOWNER, PETERS

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 9/1/2010 at 09:15:47

The Grinnell (IA) Herald-Register; Apr. 25, 1951

BILL JONES SERVED HIS CITY WELL

Veteran Fireman Died Wednesday Evening After A Lingering Illness

William H. Jones, of 1011 Summer street, faithful servant of Grinnell in the fire department, passed away at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday in a local hospital where he had been taken after a long period of failing health. He had passed his 69th birthday on March 20.

Funeral services in charge of Rev. W.F. Overhulser will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Smith funeral home with interment in Hazelwood cemetery. Organ selections will be rendered by Edward Bohstedt and pallbearers will be Virgil Case, Charles Fudge, Ralph Larsen, Clifford McCain, Lou Seiberth and Fred Taylor.

Mr. Jones had spent 65 of his 69 years in Grinnell, much of the time in the service of the city. He served three years on the police force and for 32 years had been connected with the fire department. He drove Grinnell's first motor fire truck and a familiar sight as Grinnell's fire equipment dashed up the street on its way to an alarm was "Bill" Jones at the steering wheel. He had served as fire chief and had been active in fire prevention work.

Bill was the son of Frank and Mary McGriff Jones, longtime residents of Grinnell. He is survived by his wife, a son Virgil and a daughter, Mrs. Bob Downer, both of Grinnell and a sister, Mrs. Ida Peters, also of Grinnell. He was a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge.