SOUTH PARIS – William P. Jones Sr., 75, of Turner, died with his family at his side, Saturday, March 13, 2004, at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris. He was born Feb. 19, 1929, in Buckfield, the son of the late Percy and Leonora (Bonney) Jones. On March 10, 1951, he married Patricia Sampson. Jones was a “Buckfield boy,” as he described it. Pat was born and raised in Turner. Upon returning to Maine 30 years ago, they compromised, living almost on the town line separating the two communities, ending up on the Turner side. Bill spent more than 21 years in the Air Force as a weather observer and forecaster, joining in 1947. He served in Guam, Iwo Jima and Germany during the occupation following World War II. He and his wife were stationed in Germany, Korea and Japan. He retired from the military at the end of 1968, and returned to his roots in Maine. Bill began a successful career as a salesman in chemical products, traveling throughout Maine and New England, being well renown to the entire agricultural community, retiring from his second career in 1997. Those who knew Bill would remember his respect and love of the American Flag. Much of his time was devoted to delivering and installing flags in the community. He was honored as the 1998-1999 Maine Legionnaire of the Year in recognition of his efforts on behalf of the American Legion. Other interests included membership with the Evening Star Lodge 147 A.F. & A.M. of Buckfield, 32nd Degree Scottish Rites, Kora Temple Shrine, and Mountain View Chapter 197, O.E.S. of Buckfield. Bill served his community as Turner Town Selectman for many years. Bill was known for his pride and respect of the outdoors, cherishing the time spent with his children and grandchildren hunting, fishing, skeet shooting, and snowmobiling (actively involved in local snowmobile clubs), passing along his love and enthusiasm. Bill was also devoted to training bird dogs and bird hunting. Survivors include two daughters, Roseanna Spence, Kathleen and her husband, James D. McGee; three sons, Walter C. and his wife, Anna, William P. Jr. and his wife, Annette, and Kenneth G.; three surviving brothers, Merton and his wife, Barbara, Shirley and his wife Mary, Richard and his wife, Polly; nine grandchildren, Alexander, Matthew, Kathryn, Walter Jr., Shelly, Christopher, Seth, Nicholas and Joshua; six great-grandchildren, Joshua, John, Jeffrey, Nicole, Alison and Libby; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Patricia; and his mother and father, Percy and Leonora. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at the Buckfield Community Church with spring interment in Buckfield Village Cemetery. Family and friends may call 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Andrews Funeral Home, High Street, Buckfield. Evening Star Lodge will conduct public Masonic services at 7:30 p.m. Memorial gifts may be sent in his memory to the John D. Long American Legion Post or Evening Star Lodge No. 147, both in Buckfield or the Maine Veterans Home, High Street, South Paris. <
WILLIAM P. JONES SR.
