Thomas Jones

Thomas L. Jones, 90, of Pana, IL passed away peacefully on April 30, 2026, leaving behind a legacy defined by the kind, thoughtful, steady way he lived, with open hands and a steady heart. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and teacher, Tom touched the lives of everyone he met through his warmth, humor, wit, generosity, and unwavering belief in the worth and dignity of every person.
Tom was born on March 14, 1936, in rural Cowden, IL. Tom was a proud graduate of Cowden High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and his master’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville. His teaching career would touch lives in the Mattoon, Pana, Taylorville, and Pana St Pats School Districts. Tom honorably served his country in the United States Army from 1958-1960.
Tom’s faith was a quiet but constant foundation. He believed deeply in Jesus and the promise of heaven. He carried that hope through every season of life, steadying him in difficulty, supporting him in loss, and fueling his instinct to show up for others. Whether he was bringing a meal, sitting beside someone who was ill, or tending someone’s garden. For Tom, kindness was his conviction.
Tom was passionate about teaching, spending four decades in the classroom as an educator. He approached every student with curiosity and patience, believing in second chances and trusting that each child was capable of more. He was firm but fair, and he understood that poor decisions were often less about character than about being young. It was in the hallways of school that he met his wife, Lorraine, a fellow teacher. These two educators shared not only a marriage in 1970, but a lifelong mission together with their foundation based on unending love for one another.
Tom loved his family fiercely and without hesitation. As the youngest in a family of nine children, he grew up surrounded by many cousins, nieces and nephews who were often more like peers. He cherished the role they gave him, which was an early life practice in the devotion and joy for family. His home was always open, a gathering place for Bridge and Pinochle nights, long kitchen table conversations, and plates of food, including seconds, pressed on guests whether they asked for more or not. He never met a stranger, and he made everyone who walked through his door feel as though they belonged.
From his love of gardening and agriculture, Tom believed in sharing the bounties of what he had to offer, no matter how many were present. Tomatoes still warm from the garden, cucumbers in a paper bag, homemade jam, and morel mushrooms (usually hunted across great distances and fried in lots of butter with plenty of salt) are just a few such examples. He understood that feeding someone was one of the purest ways to say, "I see you. I care about you. I want you to be well." He believed in hard work. In addition to his full-time employment, he worked many summers at Red Lobster and International Paper. He knew the value of working hard, earning your way and taking care of others. His lessons such as respecting others, knowing your equal worth, showing up, loving fiercely, the humor in life, standing firm, believing in second chances, and sharing what you have, are all part of the legacy that he leaves behind.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Lorraine (Panieri) Jones; his children Leah Schneblin (Adam) of Morton, IL, Chris Jones (Jill) of rural Decatur, IL, and Serena Jones-White (Daniel) of Columbia, MO; and his nine grandchildren, Nathanial, Sophie, and Tess Schneblin, Alexi, Delaney, and Ted Jones, and Rory, Adelaide, and Harry Jones-White. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who were all loved dearly, and a circle of close friends who brought him great joy and offered wonderful support throughout his life.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, James Fritz Jones and Etta Maude Jones; his five brothers and three sisters, Velma (Kerr), Roy, Will, Cecil “Ed”, Leslie “Bunk”, Betty (Newton), Verla (Tomlinson), and Jack; and 2 nieces.
All services will be held on Tuesday May 12, 2026. Visitation and funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church (619 Kitchell St) in Pana, IL. The visitation will be from 9-11AM, with the funeral service immediately following. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery in Cowden, IL following the funeral service. A celebration of life meal will be held immediately after the burial, and all family and friends are invited and encouraged to attend, as Tom would have insisted. Memorials for Tom may be made to the Etta Maude Jones Memorial Scholarship and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.