William Reed “Bill” Jones

Burley, Idaho – William Reed “Bill” Jones of Burley, Idaho, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013, at the age of 92, at Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center in Burley.
He was born in Burley, Idaho, on Sept. 14, 1920, to Percy and Larian (Johnson) Jones. He graduated from Burley High School in 1939. In 1942, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country with the 17th Field Artillery Battalion in the European Theater. While in the service, Bill received the American Theater Operation Service Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Ribbon, a Good Conduct medal, and the AR600-68 Victory Medal, and was honorably discharged on Feb. 5, 1946.
He met Emma Kerbs in Burley, and they were married on June 2, 1943, in Elko, Nevada. In his younger years, he farmed south of Burley and then opened Bill Jones Automotive in 1949. In 1962, Bill opened Minico Auto Parts with Jay McBride. He later sold his interests in Minico Auto Parts, and renamed his business Burley Auto Parts. While in the auto parts business, Bill was an active member of the Automotive Wholesalers of Idaho. Bill retired in 1992, selling the business to Schow’s Auto Parts. He was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Burley, serving as a trustee and a member of the Zion Lutheran Layman League. He was instrumental in building the gymnasium, and the members could always count on Bill to lend a helping hand with anything at the church.
Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman, teaching his kids and grandkids his love of the outdoors. He loved his trips to the Big Wood River, and never missed an opportunity to take his family. He was active in the VFW, and loved to spend time in his garden at the shop.
His last two and a half years were spent as a resident of the Warren House in Burley. Bill loved the people there, and enjoyed the interaction with the other residents.
He was preceded in death by his wife Emma; his parents; two sisters, Ione Jones and Doris Fullmer; two brothers, Louis Jones and W. John Jones; a son, Dennis Jones; and one great- grandson, Conner Reed Jones.
He is survived by his sons, Larry R. Jones of Burley, W. Rick Jones (Cheri) of Ilwaco, Wash., Steven P. Jones (Shelley), and Jack J. Jones (Barb) of Burley; one daughter, Charlene Bartlome (Gary) of Burley; ten grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one brother, Ross V. Jones (Lorraina) of Burley; and one sister, Myrth Kidd of Rexburg.
Bill will always be remembered for his big heart. If he ever saw someone in need, he was always the first one to help them out. He will always be remembered for his “moo cow” call, his love of children, and his willingness to help his community. For many years, Bill and his sister Myrth, gave Christmas presents to the kids at the Idaho Youth Ranch in Acequia.
The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, at the United Methodist Church, 450 E. 27th St., in Burley, with the Rev. Kathy Abend officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s name to the Idaho Youth Ranch or to Zion Lutheran Church in care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home, P.O. Box 878, Burley, ID 83318.