William (Bill) Clyde Jones of Canton, PA passed away after a brief illness at Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Bill was born in Erie, PA on July 26, 1946. He was the son of the late Gloria (Jones) and William Dietz and adopted by his grandparents Clyde & Velva Jones. He married his beloved wife, the former Mary Miller, in May of 2013, who survives him.

He graduated from Renovo Jr./Sr. High School in 1964 and Lock Haven State College in 1969. He was very intelligent and graduated highest in his field in Earth & Space Science. He has always been involved in music and, while in college, participated in Band Marching and Concert, Saxophone Quartet, and Pit Orchestra for Drama Productions. He was also involved in the Photography Club, Student Council, American Chemical Society, Sigma Pi Fraternity, and Tennis Team. He graduated from Alfred State University with a degree in astronomy.

Bill was known as a jokester to many and lit up a room with entertainment wherever he went. He was loved by many for his friendly banter and quick wit. He was known for playing the tenor saxophone and was part of several small combo bands. He played with Bud and the Dynamics, The New Breed, The Moonlighters, Steel Sun, and various musicians at the Wheel Inn in Roaring Branch, PA.

He was a member of several social clubs in the Canton and surrounding areas. Canton Lodge #429, Loyal Order of Moose, for over 50 years, receiving the Fellowship Degree of Honor in 2009 and his Pilgrim Degree of Merit in 2016. He served as governor in 1976 and 2008; a past President for Susquehanna Legion of the Moose #89; a lifetime member of BPO Elks Lodge #334 in Renovo, PA; a past master of Canton Lodge #415 F&AM; a past high priest of Troy Holy Royal Arch Chapter #261; a former science dept. chairman at Canton Area High School; and a holder of the 32nd degree at Williamsport Consistory, where he played a number of years with the Imperial Teteque concert band.

Bill retired from teaching at Canton Jr./Sr. High School in 1999 after 30 years of teaching Earth/Space Science, Chemistry, General Science, and Physics. He has always been respected by the students he taught, with most calling him Mr. Jones after graduation. He always told them to call him Bill.

After retirement, Bill enjoyed going to the social clubs he belonged to along with a childhood hobby of model trains. On weekends he would watch college and NFL football games. He cheered on the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Detroit Lions.

He was a supporter of watching his grandchildren in concert bands and indoor band competitions. You would see him on the sidelines cheering them on during soccer games. He praised them to whoever he saw while out.

Bill is survived by his daughter and her husband, Karen and Ryan Schultz, and his grandchildren Adam and Alexandria Schultz, all of Blossburg, PA.

Besides his parents and grandparents Bill was predeceased by his wife, Marlene (Segur) Jones.

A time of visitation will be held from 2 – 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Canton Moose Lodge 429, 41 Sullivan Street, Canton, PA 17724. A celebration of Bill’s life will follow at 3 p.m. with a luncheon provided. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of choice. Memories of Bill and condolences to his family may be shared by visiting www.pepperfuneralhomes.com.