William "Bill" Jones

William "Bill" Trogdon Jones, 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at his daughter’s home, surrounded by his family. He was under the care of Hospice of Eastern Idaho. Bill was born January 11, 1934, in Yamhill, Oregon, to Charles Lewis Jones and Ruth Agnes Barnes Jones. He grew up and attended various schools in the Salmon/Leadore, Idaho, area before moving to Idaho Falls, Idaho, in 1949, where he graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1952. In 1953, Bill joined the U.S. Army, earning the rank of Private First Class upon completion of boot camp. He then completed the paratrooper airborne course at Fort Benning, Georgia (11th Airborne Division). During one of the paratrooper training drops from an airplane, his main parachute would not open, forcing him to use his emergency chute. He kept this emergency chute’s rip cord to remind him of how lucky he was that day. He completed his military service as a Specialist 2 (honorable discharge) with the 168th Engineer Battalion at Fort Campbell, Kentucky as a mechanic in the motor pool. While serving in the Army, he was a member of his troop’s Pistol and Revolver Team. He set an unprecedented shooting record during this experience earning him many first and second place trophies and ribbon awards for himself and his team.

On June 5, 1957, he married Dorothea Murdock in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. To this union were born two daughters, Tammy and Cindy. Bill and Dorothea made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Bill worked as a mechanic for Stoddard Ford. He also taught for several years as an automotive instructor at the Idaho State University Technical School in Pocatello. He drove truck to many parts of the United States and when he stopped driving trucks, he drove a semi-wrecker. He witnessed many bad accidents while driving his wrecker and always made an effort to help those in need on the road. His crowning jewel in his career was operating his own shop, Bill’s Super Service.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various capacities.

He enjoyed Audie Murphy and John Wayne westerns, driving trucks, hunting, watching NASCAR races, reading Louis L’Amour books, and playing cards.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Dorothea Jones; daughters, Tammy (Craig) Larsen and Cindy Cropper, both of Idaho Falls, Idaho; 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three half brothers, and one half sister.

Funeral services will be held at 12 Noon Thursday, April 20, 2017, at Wood East Side, 963 South Ammon. The family will visit with friends from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park.

Military rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard.

Funeral Services will be held

12:00 PM ,Thursday, April 20, 2017 Wood Funeral Home East Side 963 South Ammon Road Idaho Falls, ID 83406 Notes: The family will visit with friends Thursday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. prior. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park.