Billy Lane Jones

Billy Lane Jones, 61, found a place of comfort with his father, Bill, and Christ on Dec. 2, 2019, in his mother’s home, surrounded by family. Lane Jones, son of Billy Ray Jones and Rosalie Donna Jones (Hopkins), was born on April 28, 1958 in Jonesboro, Ark. He married Paula Marie Branscum on Aug. 21, 1982 in Qulin. He was a man, who in his time played many parts, not always out of necessity, sometimes out of curiosity, but inevitably done as well as could be.

In 1985, he and his wife, Paula, moved back to Missouri from Texas; before moving, they sold old furniture they had originally brought from Missouri. That sale struck beyond their expectations, and launched an over 30 year adventure into the antiques business, otherwise known as Fairdealing Trading Company.

He attended Three Rivers College and earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from SEMO. He worked as a Youth Specialist for the Missouri Div. of Youth Services for 15 years, during which he was awarded “Employee of the Year.”

He was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in Old Appleton, Mo. He was a man of good humor, goodwill, and a good heart. Whereas others would halt, his determination and faith led him ever onward. “Quam Bene Vivas Refert Non Quam Diu.” It is how well you live that matters, not how long.

He is survived by his wife, Paula (Branscum) of Oak Ridge; his sons, Dylan Jones (Sydney) of Hazelwood and Jesse Jones of Austin Texas; his mother, Rosalie Jones (Hopkins); his sister, Lisa DeGaris (Ed); nephews, Chris DeGaris (Michelle), Ross DeGaris (Pam); niece, Liz Christian Kilhafner (Mark); special friend and caregiver, Annette Harris, all of Poplar Bluff; and special friends, Ned and Charyl Coleman of Austin, Texas. He was preceded in death by his father, Billy R. Jones.

There will be a celebration of life memorial service at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Grace Christian Fellowship Church, Poplar Bluff.

Paid