Herschel Dean Jones

Herschel “Dean” Jones, age 97, of Salem, passed away on March 14, 2026, at Twin Willows Nursing Center in Salem. Born on July 5, 1928, in Alma, Illinois, he was the son of Lewis H. Jones and Nell Agnes (Walker) Jones. On April 24, 1948, in Kinmundy, he married Kathryn Jones, and they shared 71 years of marriage until her death.

Dean spent most of his life as a farmer and was a longtime member of the Kinmundy Methodist Church. He had a gift for making people laugh and genuinely loved being around family and friends. His warm personality and sense of humor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his daughter, Carolyn Vandeveer of Salem; daughter-in-law, Cathy Jones of Pana; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, including Michelle (Chris) Blomberg, Mike (Tammy) Vandeveer, Denise Jones, Tricia (Jared) Ogden, Crystal (Blake) Wolf, and their families. He is also survived by his brothers Cecil Jones of Salem, Richard Jones of Alma, and John (Nona) Jones of Alma, along with many nieces and nephews.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathryn; his son, Ronald Dean Jones; his son-in-law, Russell Vandeveer; and his siblings Helen Cox, Harold Jones, Don Jones, Bill Jones, and Dwight Jones.