Willis L. Jones

Willis Lee Jones of McCook passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, October 4, 2015, at Community Hospital. He was 98 years old. Willis was born on March 21, 1917 to Walter Lee and Pearl (Black) Jones at home in rural Knox County near Bloomfield. He was the middle of seven children. He attended a variety of rural schools as the family moved. He graduated from eighth grade from Knox County Public Schools and graduated from Bloomfield High School on May 15, 1935. Willis was drafted into the Army at Fort Crook, Nebraska on July 1, 1941. He was later transferred to the Army Air Force Cadet Unit and flew out of England on a B-17. While he was in the service he married Lucille Anna Overfield on May 31, 1943. To this union two children were born, a daughter, Dianne and a son, Warren. Willis continued serving his country and flew 25 and a half missions and was shot down in Germany. He was a P.O.W. for 13 months. He was honorably discharged on November 11, 1945. Willis returned to his family in Nebraska and worked for the Bureau of Reclamation as a surveyor. He retired in 1987. He was a member of the Memorial United Methodist Church for 84 years. He was also a member of the 86th Bomb Group, life member of DAV, and Nebraska P.O.W. Organization. Willis was still able to wear his uniform with pride at special service related holidays. Preceding him in death were his parents, Walter and Pearl Jones; two sisters, Margaret McFarland and Mary Joachimson; and four brothers, Melvin Jones, Rev. Lowell Jones, Doyle Jones and Earl Jones. Survivors include his wife of 72 years, Lucille Jones, of McCook; daughter, Dianne and husband, Larry Radcliffe, of Imperial and their children Juel Krajewski and Derek Radcliffe; son, Dr. Warren Jones and wife, Cathy, of McCook and their children, Melanie Jones-Wier and husband, Andy, Jenica Pauletto and husband Rodric, and Walker Jones and fianc, Donna; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Memorials may be given to the McCook YMCA, McCook Community Hospital, and Methodist Ministers Retirement Fund, ARMS,1610 N 87th Street, Lincoln, NE 68505 Visitation will be Friday, October 9, 2015, 9:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Friends may go online at www.herrmannfh.com to extend condolences to the family. Funeral services will be Saturday, October 10, 2015, 10:30 a.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook with the Rev. Dr. Doug Griger officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation

Friday, October 9, 2015 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, October 10, 2015 10:30 AM