William Lawrence Jones, Jr. [Bill], age 83, of Linwood, Kansas, passed away from a sudden heart attack on June 17, 2026. He was born on November 30, 1942, in Kansas City, Kansas, to William Lawrence Jones, Sr. and Esther Annabelle [Hontz].

William graduated from Turner High School, immediately entering the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany, and was a crypto specialist with top security clearance. He sent and received messages, including the first order to send planes into Viet Nam. Upon discharge from the Air Force, he returned to Kansas City and began working as a telephone equipment installer for Western Electric/AT&T. After taking a buyout, Bill started Reliance Painting and then worked for United Telephone until he retired.

Bill met his wife Emma [Jean] Oeth on a double date to the drive-in theatre with their mutual best friends, marrying in 1962. In 1978 they moved from Kansas City, KS to a small hobby acreage in Tonganoxie, KS, building a barn and a house that Jean designed, having only the concrete work contracted out.

Bill was always the life of the party, telling jokes, giving the kids headlocks, bringing the white shotgun to all the weddings, and hosting the annual reunion on the 4th of July. Parents, children, siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews were an integral part of Bill’s life. Holidays were not the only time everyone got together. Playing Pinochle most Friday evenings at his parent’s house with his siblings and their families was a long tradition. Before passing, Bill and Jean went to the casino every Monday with his sister Linda and brother-in-law Greg. One of his favorite experiences was going to Sturgis with Linda and Greg and riding his motorcycle in the Black Hills. Bill lived a full life with many adventures. He explored the country while on transfer with Western Electric, went paragliding in Florida, zip lining with his niece Julie in Vegas, and on a cruise with Jean, Linda and Greg.

Bill is survived by his wife Emma Jean, daughter Connie Orman, sons William Lawrence Jones III [Roceyl] and Michael Jones [Susan]. Sister Linda Snook [Greg]. Grandchildren Derrick Jones [Danielle], Jacob Orman, Christina Jones [Mason Wharry], Samantha Jones, Camille Jones, Hudson Jones, Stephanie Jones, William Lawrence Jones IV. Great-grandchildren Xavier Jones, Raven Jones, Ruby Jones. Many beloved nieces and nephews. Proceeded in death by his brother Donald Lee Jones [Peggy].