Neil W. Jones, 44, of Fairview Heights, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 30, 2026 — far too soon for everyone who loved him.

Neil joked that he had been a welder since he was in diapers, and he turned that lifelong gift into a career that he was very proud of more than 17 years as a union welder with Hillsdale Fabricator. He was hardworking at his core — the kind of man that when he showed up, he just did the job right.

But Neil's real work was people.

Goofy in the best way, endlessly kind and warm, he had the best laugh and the most genuine big smile — the kind that made a stranger feel like a friend. His faith lived in his hands: he took deep pride in his community outreach programs and spent many years alongside his wife doing recovery ministry work, always trying to find one more person to lift up if he could.

A memory Amy will always hold dear is hiking with Neil. That's where you saw his best self. So gentle, so caring. He paid attention to every step — sometimes even checking the rocks ahead to be sure they weren't too slippery, never letting her take the next step until he knew the way was safe. To walk beside Neil was to be cared for, he truly wanted everyone to be happy.

Neil is survived by his deeply devoted wife and best friend, Amy; his daughter, Ellie; his mother, Carol; his sisters Holly and Jody; brother, Tate (Brittany). He was the adoring uncle of Reese. Neil was loved fiercely, and by many — and his sudden loss leaves a huge void in the large circle of family and friends who surrounded him, the very people he so often tried to hold up himself.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Brady Jones.

We pray Neil has been made whole in the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Memorials may be made to Jesus Saves Ministry, Granite City, IL. Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.Richesonfh.com

A celebration of Neil’s life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at Copper Creek Christian Church, 2184 Vadalabene Dr, Maryville, IL 62062 with Rev. Jeff Chamberlain officiating.