New Lanark facility, funeral directors to join Law-Jones

MOUNT CARROLL – Growth is the key word right now for Law-Jones Funeral Homes & Crematory, with a new location planned to open later this year in Lanark and family joining the business.

Owner Matt Jones looks to break ground this month on the funeral home, to be built across state Route 64 from Eastland High School on Lanark's east side. The site could be open by the end of the summer, weather permitting.

The new funeral home will feature a gathering space for celebration of life, burial and cremation services, and other family and community events. Another space will be set aside for children to play in, and another area will be available for refreshments and coffee. The site will feature restrooms accessible to wheelchairs, and close-up parking to help elderly attendees.

The Lanark site will join Law-Jones' existing locations in Chadwick, Elizabeth, Hanover, Mount Carroll, Savanna, and Thomson, and in Preston, Iowa.

The funeral home's staff also is growing. Jones' sons, Chris Anderson, 29, and Levi Jones, 25, both joined the company last summer, and are finishing their professional certifications, Matt Jones said.

"The certifications take 14 months. Both of them are deputy coroners," Matt said.

Chris and Levi both grew up in Mount Carroll and attended West Carroll High School.

Levi attended Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, studying music composition and playing keyboards and percussion in several bands. He is best known as a member of the southern Illinois folk and rock band, Porch Fire. Levi lives in Preston, Iowa.

Chris attended Augustana College in Rock Island and worked in the insurance field before joining Law-Jones. He has three children and lives in Mount Carroll.

Family is a central element of Law-Jones. Matt's father, Mel Jones, partnered with Si Law in 1965 to found the company in Mount Carroll. Matt's mother, Jean Jones, continues to keep the financial records and accounts payable, while Matt's daughter, Elle Jones, 22, works in the administration office in Savanna. The company also has 14 part-time employees and assistants.