Gilbert Jones, age 99 of Metropolis, Illinois departed from his earthly life at 12:21 am on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center with his wife by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, 2024 with Rev. David Deem officiating. Burial will follow with military rites in the Mt. Sterling Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Gilbert was the last surviving World War II veteran in Massac County. He was called to serve his country in the Army at the age of 18, after graduating high school. From his 18 months of service, he became a Purple Heart recipient. Gilbert graduated from Murray State University in 1949 with a Bachelors in Agriculture and taught for 6 years in Missouri. He then came to Metropolis to work for and retire from Allied Signal. Gilbert was a member of the First Baptist Church in Metropolis and the Metropolis Masonic Lodge #91. He was a musician and singer and enjoyed visiting with his Rube's breakfast table.

Gilbert is survived by his wife, Jean Jones; daughter, Rhonda Jones (Gary Fults); step son, Donald Powell (Debby).

Gilbert was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Jones; mother and stepfather, Vida (Sirls) and Henry Sweet; his sister, Barbara Taylor and husband Burnett; step sons, Bradley Powell and Kenneth Powell.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 25, 2024 from 12 noon until the funeral at 2:00 p.m.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com