Law Jones

The Jones family settled in Savanna in 1962 when Mel and Jean purchased Hunter Funeral Home. Jean taught English in the Savanna School District and in 1965 Mel and Jean partnered with the Law Funeral Home (owned by Nan Law and son Si and Gretchen law), to form Law-Jones Funeral Home.

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Hello, everyone. My name is Melvin Jones, but you can call me Mel. I was born on July 2, 1938, in the charming town of Moline, Illinois, to my parents, Charles Melvin and June (Johnson) Jones. In 1959, I married the love of my life, Jean Taniges, in Casey, Illinois, and together we built a beautiful family
and a life filled with love and community service. When I was a youth I lived in a boys home for a few years after my parents separated, then I lived on a farm near Shelbyville, and when I was 18 I ventured out to Nebraska and the Dakotas to help build
grain bins. At this time, I had a cow named Duchess who was looked after by my family when I was gone.

After attending Southern Illinois University and the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science, I
dedicated 27 years to being a Funeral Director. I owned and operated the Law-Jones Funeral Homes in Savanna, Thomson, Hanover, Elizabeth, Illinois, and Sabula, Iowa. I also served as Carroll County Coroner for 13 years. My work was always about caring for people during their toughest times.

Community service has always been a big part of my life. I served on the Savanna City Hospital Board, was an active member of the Savanna Moose Lodge, the Savanna Masonic Lodge, and the Illinois Funeral Directors Association. My faith was my guide, and I was a proud member of the Savanna First United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Men. The Savanna Rotary Club, the Savanna Chamber of Commerce, and the Savanna School Board were all lucky enough to have
me as a member at different times.

But enough about the formalities! Let me tell you about some of my passions. I was quite the tennis player, partnering with my good friend Ralph Higgins. Ralph owned the Johnson Drug Store in town, where you could get the best old-fashioned milkshake. I used to take my kids there often – sweet memories indeed!

I also loved to golf, though I did things a bit differently. I was known for playing with just a seven-iron and a putter, finishing nine holes during lunch and getting back to work by 1 PM. Efficiency, folks!

History was another passion of mine. I collected countless photos and gave over 580 historical presentations about Savanna. Sharing our town's rich history was a joy for me, and I always led by example, teaching my children through my actions.

Camping was another love of mine. I visited all 50 states, making memories in each one. And let’s not forget the fun times I had wrestling and playing basketball with my kids. I grew up near Herrick and Shelbyville, Illinois, where I played basketball in high school – some of my fondest memories.

Today, I’m blessed with a wonderful family: my dear wife Jean, our four sons Michael, Mark, Maury, and Matthew, our amazing grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and my sister Judy. Although my parents and my brother Tracy are no longer with us, their spirits live on in our hearts.

Thank you for celebrating with me today. Let’s cherish the past, enjoy the present, and look forward to a bright future together.