Carl C. Jones of Champaign slipped away quietly in the early morning Wednesday (November 30, 2022) at home.

            Carl was born on June 22, 1933 in Alton, Illinois to Howard and Viola (Boston) Jones. He grew up in Alton and graduated from Alton High School in 1952. Carl married Mary Ann Delehanty in 1958 and they had a daughter, Valerie Ann. Mary Ann passed away in 1995.

            Carl later met Alice Gaines and while dating she introduced him to the Regent Ballroom.  It wasn’t long before they danced their way firmly into each other’s hearts. They married on June 28, 1997 and celebrated their 25th anniversary this past summer.

            In addition to Alice, Carl is survived by his loving children– daughter Valerie Ann Zigler (Dustin) and his “bonus boys” Keith Gaines (David Schultz), Ken Gaines (Alberto Britos), Steven Gaines (Cindy) and Bryce Gaines (Anita). Nine grandchildren– Brock Shelmadine, Levi Gaines, Amanda Wright, Joshua Gaines, Nick Gaines, Melinda Branham, Ryan Boddy, Wesley Zigler and Isabella Zigler – and seven great-grandchildren, also survive him.

            Carl was a star pitcher in high school and was drafted by the White Sox in 1952, but injury sidelined his major league career. He enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed at various bases including Guam, Japan and the Philippines during his four-year tour of duty. Carl then put his experience to work in the Civil Service at Chanute AFB, retiring as Communications Supervisor in 1988 and earning the Falcon Award for his service. After retiring, Carl worked at Allied Title in Champaign– a job that happily led him to Alice.

            Carl and Alice were dedicated dancers and never missed a chance to spend an evening on the dance floor at the Regent. But they also liked to travel and often combined the two by taking trips with their Regent friends to places like Spain, France and Italy. They also made several trips to the American west, southwest and Mexico. In 2018, Carl took a special trip when he was selected for an Honor Flight with fellow veterans and it was one of the great highlights of his life.

            Perhaps it was due to his military training, but Carl never left the house without his shirt pressed, pants creased and shoes polished. Always impeccably dressed, Carl had an amazing wardrobe and was equally at home in a tuxedo or jeans and cowboy boots. He believed one should always dress for the occasion, even if the occasion was grocery shopping.

            Carl did love clothes, but he also loved good food, good wine, a good round of golf and everything cowboy and western.

            But above all, Carl loved his family and friends. He loved generously, with an open mind, open arms and an open heart.  He relished the time he spent with each and every one of us and we who were privileged to know and love Carl will treasure the time we had with him and keep him in our hearts forever.

            Visitation will be Tuesday, Dec. 6 at noon with services at 1:30 at Renner Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S Philo Rd, Urbana; followed by graveside services with military honors at Riverside Cemetery, Mahomet. Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.