Jon R. Williams

Jon Roger Williams, age 59, of Benton, passed away at 1:55 a.m. Thursday, October 19, 2023; at SIH Herrin Hospital.

Jon’s wishes are to be cremated.

When you have worked on dive boats in the Florida Keys, as a coal miner in southern Illinois, and as a trauma/critical care nurse in Emergency Departments, ICUs, Cath Labs, and with Air Evac, you are going to have stories. Jon had the stories. Funny stories, sad stories, self-deprecating stories, stories about friends, family, and life. One could write a book about Jon and never capture all of his true spirit, soul, love and life. It certainly cannot be done as a short obituary. 

After graduating from BCHS in 1982, Jon attended Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in Mining Engineering. After going to Florida for a while, Jon returned to Southern Illinois to follow in his father's and grandfathers' footsteps, working for Kerr-McGee for 15 years. He was on the Mine Rescue Team. Nicknamed Remo, the stories of his time working in the mines were some of his favorites. 

With changes that were occurring in the mining industry, Jon decided to change careers and attended John A. Logan College to become a Registered Nurse. Jon was recognized by JALC and received an award for outstanding non-traditional students and appeared in a recruiting commercial for the college, orange flight suit and all. A life size cutout of him remains in the Logan Fitness Center to this day. As a trauma/critical care nurse, Jon touched the lives of so many patients and their families, many of them have shared their stories of his care, kindness, and sense of humor with his family members who are so very grateful for those memories. 

Jon had a big personality and an even bigger heart. He loved fiercely and once he made you one of his people, he would move mountains to care for and protect you. 

Jon was an avid outdoorsman who loved hiking and camping anywhere he could pitch a tent. Some of his favorite spots were the Shawnee National Forrest, Land Between the Lakes, and Rend Lake. He could identify every plant, animal, bird, and reptile.

Jon enjoyed cooking, experimenting with his smoker, and sharing his skills with others. Many friends, family, and co-workers got to enjoy what he was cooking up for the week. 

Jon was the youngest of four siblings and was often affectionately referred to as the "golden boy" and Mom's favorite, He kept us laughing and entertained us at family gatherings. No one could tell a story better than Jon. 

Although he received many accolades and awards during his nursing and mining careers, Jon's proudest moment was when his son, Cole, was born on July 19, 2002. They have a special love and bond that can never be broken.

He married the love of his life, Lynne Sanders on 10/11/12. Lynne was his perfect match, intellectually and spiritually. She was always a willing participant in his elaborate plans, or shenanigans as she called them. He took her out of her comfort zone on many occasions. The phrase, “Let’s go on an adventure!” was spoken often. 

He was adored by his nephews and nieces, always being the fun uncle. He was their hero, mentor, friend, and advisor. When speaking of them, he always spoke of his love for them and their families and how proud he was of them. 

His marriage to Lynne added three daughters, their spouses, and grandchildren to the family. In typical Jon fashion, he loved them fiercely. 

Jon is survived by his wife, Lynne, his son Cole Williams of West Frankfort, IL, his mother, Shirley Williams of Benton, IL; his siblings Linda Williams Hammer of Springfield, IL, Larry (Joann) Williams of Mt. Vernon, IL

Step-daughters: Samantha (Joseph) Ventura, Emily Summers, Alyssa Summers, fiancée Jordan Day. Grandchildren: Scarlett, Elliott, and Henry. 

Nephews and nieces: Grant (Jennifer) Hammer, Jordan (Stephanie) Hammer, Jenna Lewis (Chuck) Moore, Tom (Betsy) Williams, John (Ahrum) Williams, Elizabeth Williams (Adam) Busenbark, and several great nieces and nephews, also surviving is a sister-in-law Susan Sanders Noll.

Preceded in death by father, Joe Williams, Sister, Patti Lewis, nephew, Jon Michael Hammer, and father and mother-in-law Fred and Ann Sanders. 

Jon's death makes us pause and think about our own mortality. He lived a good life with no regrets. In his honor we will strive to do the same. 

Our family hopes you can share your stories and memories of Jon at a casual gathering on Saturday October 28, 2023, at Rend Lake, North Sandusky Day Use area Shelter #3 from 2:00-5:00 pm. 

Memorial contributions are preferred; and may be made to the Friends of the Shawnee National Forest, P.O. Box 612, Carbondale, Illinois 62903.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jon, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jon R. Williams, please visit our floral store.