William Jones

On Monday, October 27, 2025, William A. (Willy) Jones died peacefully at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center after a long illness. Born March 3, 1945, he was the son of William and Mary Alice (Clark) Jones. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Gracemary A. (Keith) Jones. He is survived by sister-in-law, Kathy (Keith) Rowe (husband, John), and brother-in-law, Don Keith (wife, Janet). He leaves six nieces and nephews - Joshua, Benjamin and Zachary Rowe, Katie Dreyer-Rowe, and Kelsey and Delaney Keith.

Willy grew up in Manchester Center, VT, attended Burr & Burton Academy and graduated from Castleton State College in 1969.

Willy was a very active member of the Pownal/Bennington community. He taught at Pownal Elementary School where he introduced countless third graders to the joys of stage presentations and reading. He was especially active in the Old Castle Community Theater, a proud member of Actors' Equity. He hosted "Your Friends and Neighbors" and "Tell Me a Story" on CAT-TV and a radio show on WBTN. For many years he performed a reading in full costume of the Declaration of Independence at the Bennington Monument on the Fourth of July. He served on many boards including the Solomon Wright Library for over 20 years as well as the board for CAT-TV.

A celebration of the life of this unique, respected and beloved member of the community will be held at the Mount Anthony Country Club on Saturday, November 15 from 1 to 3 PM. Please join us in sending Willy off in joy and happiness. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hanson, Walbridge and Shea Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Solomon Wright Public Library or the Pownal Food Bank.