Joseph R. Jones, 78, of Taylor Ridge, died at home surrounded by family on Sunday, June 16, 2019 following a long battle with cancer.  A Funeral Mass for Joseph will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Taylor Ridge.  Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Wheelan Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 201 4 ^th Ave. E., Milan.  Memorials may be made to University of Iowa – Stead Family Children's Hospital.

Joseph was born April 13, 1941 in Clinton, Iowa, a son of George Russell and Loretta (O'Neill) Jones.  Over the years, he worked for Case, Alcoa and he also worked as a sheet metal tradesman for a time.  Joseph retired from the Rock Island Arsenal in 2008 as an Engineering Tech after 34 years of service.  He married Randa M. Talboom on September 26, 1964 in Rock Island. Joseph loved spending time with his family and friends.  He greatly enjoyed time spent racing with his son, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, NASCAR, drag racing and spending time at the cabin in Keithsburg.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Randa; children, Paula (Dave) Nitz, Illinois City and Joe (Julie) Jones, Erie; grandchildren, Kalli (Mike) Anson, Sara and Chad Nitz and Hayley, Mya and Aylah Jones; great grandchildren, Laikynn and Brycin Anson; siblings, Patricia Devaney, Milan and Donald (Paula) Jones, Davenport; sister in law, Nancy Jones, Ft. Worth, TX; brother in law, Daryl Chard, Sherrard and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Larry and Wayne Jones and sister, Joyce Chard.

Special thanks to the University of Iowa Hospital oncology, pulmonary and radiation department Doctors and Nurses and UnityPoint Trinity.