Jon Richard Killebrew passed away December 26, 2024, at the age of 88. Born May 4, 1936 in Springville, TN to Charles Henderson Killebrew and Mildred Elizabeth Killebrew Evans, Jon was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather known for his witty humor, kindness, and generosity. He spent his childhood in Chicago and Springville. He graduated from Springville High School and Bethel College (Bethel University) and served in the U.S. Army. He moved to Humboldt, TN in 1966, where he lived for 58 years.
After college and his service in the Army, Jon married Ann Cox Killebrew and began his career at Rock Island Railroad in Chicago. They later moved to Highland, Illinois, where he worked for Alton Box Board Company (later named Jefferson Smurfit Corporation). After relocating to Humboldt, he continued working for them as the plant controller for 38 years, before retiring in 2000. After retirement, Jon and Ann, spent their time traveling and enjoying grandchildren and friends. They took 21 cruises all over the world and made numerous trips around the U.S. Many summer vacations and Thanksgivings were spent at his favorite place, Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains. For many years, he made annual trips to Rosemary Beach with his family, who will have cherished memories of these times spent searching for crabs and shells with grandchildren, and eating donuts, ice cream, and seafood.
Jon loved his family dearly. He was a loyal and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He actively supported his children at sporting events, piano recitals, and band competitions, and later his grandchildren’s activities. He coached his children’s baseball and softball teams and was a member of the school board for the Humboldt school system.
Jon loved sports, especially the Chicago White Sox and Tennessee Volunteers. He played baseball and basketball during high school and was the pitcher for the Bethel College baseball team. In later years, he played in various Fantasy Football Leagues and enjoyed playing dominos with his close friends. He loved gospel and country music, and watching westerns, James Bond movies, and old comedies. He was a member of the Al Chymia Shriners and was a Mason for 66 years. Jon was a faithful Christian and long-time member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and Treasurer for many years.
Jon leaves his beloved wife of 63 years, Ann, his daughter Beth (Jeff) Killebrew Autry, sons Andy (Donna) Killebrew and Kevin (Amanda) Killebrew, six grandchildren, Olivia & Suzanna Autry, Aaron and Anna Kathryn Killebrew, Maggie Mayer and Caroline Killebrew, and two step-granddaughters, Alivia and Stephanie Johnson. He was preceded in death by his parents, step-parents Fred Evans and Margaret Killebrew, his sister and brother-in-law, Billie Jean Killebrew Evans and Paul Evans, and his infant son Scott Killebrew.
Jon resided at The Arbors Dogwood Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care for the final year of his life, where he passed away after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. His family would like to thank the incredible staff of Dogwood, along with AseraCare Hospice, for the love and care they provided him.
A visitation will be held January 11, 2025, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., at Grace United Methodist Church in Humboldt, TN. Jon will be cremated and there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Humboldt Historical Museum or Humboldt Public Library.
