Richard S. Fones

Richard “Dick” Stanley Fones, 84, of rural Galesburg, died at 9:16 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016 at home.   Dick was born November 14, 1931 in Pinckneyville, the son of Albert G. and Opal M. Taylor Fones.  He married Betty S. Westfall on August 5, 1951 in Galesburg.  Dick is survived by his wife Betty; four sons, Roger (Nancy) Fones of Galesburg, Robert (Rhonda) Fones of Knoxville, Ronnie Fones of Houston, TX, and Ray Fones of Galesburg; one daughter, Ronda (Dale) Knowles of Mississippi; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  Dick was preceded in death by his parents, 5 brothers, and 6 sisters.   Dick served his country during the Korean Conflict in the US Army from August 18, 1952 to August 5, 1954.  He was a master builder and built several homes in the area.  Dick worked as roofer for many years, retiring in 1996 as the owner/operator of Fones Roofing Company.  A man without idle hands, Dick could be found working on cars or caring for his yard when he wasn’t busy roofing or building homes.  Dick was a devoted, caring, and loving husband to Betty for 64 years.  They had a marriage many couples wanted to emulate.   Cremation rites will be accorded.  No services are planned at this time.  Services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.   The family requests memorials be made in Dick’s memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.