William E. Jones

May 18, 1945 - June 26, 2021

William Ernest Jones, born in Toledo, Ohio on May 18, 1945, passed away peacefully at Hospice of Northwest Ohio on June 26, 2021. Billy was a military veteran, proudly serving aboard ship in the U.S. Navy from 1963 to 1967 then completing his service with two years in the Naval Reserves. Billy’s family moved to Colorado when he was a child. After serving in the Navy, he spent some years in Ohio, but returned to Colorado as an adult because of his love of the mountains. In the early 2000s, Billy moved back to Toledo to be nearer to family. He remained here until his death. Over the course of his career, Billy managed several Denny’s Restaurants, worked in food service at The Toledo Hospital, and was a substitute teacher at school districts in both Denver, Colorado and Toledo, Ohio. He especially loved opportunities to teach young people about music. Billy’s true passion was always music, specifically his fondness for the clarinet and his passion for classical music. Billy loved to study the history of composers, musical scores, and performances. He often shared facts and trivia learned through the years with students, friends, and family. Over the course of his musical career, Billy performed with the Perrysburg Symphony Orchestra, at Toledo Zoo concerts under the direction of Sam Szor, and while in Denver with the Arapahoe Philharmonic. In addition, Billy sang for many years with the Toledo Choral Society. His performance of Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus is a fond family memory. Billy is survived by family and friends and will be honored at a graveside service Wednesday, June 30, at Fort Meigs Cemetery at 11:00am. The family respectfully requests no flowers. Donations can be made in Billy’s honor to Hospice of Northwest Ohio.