Donald T. Jones, 81, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, on February 5, 2016, at the home of his daughter, in Clermont, Florida, with family at his side.

A Catholic Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, March 12, at 10:00am, Holy Cross Church, Mendota, with Rev. Bowen Schmitt officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be on Friday, March 11, from 4-7pm at Merritt's Funeral Home, Mendota, with praying of the Rosary at 3:30pm.

Donald was born to Paul and Cora (Sondgeroth) Jones on April 24, 1934, in Mendota. On April 23, 1960, he married his true love, Ellen Bulfer. Together, they were blessed with three children and five grandchildren: Jeffrey (Sarah) Jones, sons Jeffrey & Joshua, of San Diego, CA; Kenneth (Rose Marie) Jones, children Paul & Elizabeth, of Ottawa, Illinois; and Rosemary (Jim) Nelson, son James, of Clermont, FL. His family also includes two brothers: David (Rita) Jones of Mendota, and Michael (Carol) Jones of St Peters, MO; and one sister, Mary Beth (Ed) Cole of Fulton, IL.

Don attended the University of Illinois prior to his employment at Black Brothers, where he worked for 42 years, retiring in 1999. He was an active resident of Mendota, where he served as 1st ward Alderman for many years, member of the Elks for 58 years, former Knights of Columbus and Catholic War Veterans member, volunteer driver for the Mendota Area Senior Services, served on the board and volunteered for the Mendota Area Christian Food Pantry, and also served on the board, former Vice President, and a Lifetime Member of the Mendota Museum and Historical Society where he was named volunteer of the year in 2004. He enjoyed camping, and was a member of the Bureau Valley Good Sam's Club as well as the Georgie Boy Owner's Club. Don was an avid reader and loved the warm weather of Florida. Most of all, he treasured time spent with family and friends. He was a member of St Faustina Parish in Clermont, FL, and also belonged to Holy Cross Parish in Mendota.

Memorials may be directed to The Mendota Museum & Historical Society Chapel, St Faustina Catholic Parish's Construction Fund in Clermont, FL, or donor's choice.