27-Year Du Quoin Postal Carrier Roger Jones Collapses while Carrying His West Side Route

Roger Jones loved two things--his job and the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jones, 61, and a 27-year employee of the Du Quoin Post Office, collapsed on his route Monday morning--referred to as City 2 on Du Quoin's west side--and died at Marshall Browning Hospital despite every effort to save his life.

Du Quoin Postmaster Steve Dinkins said Jones had mentioned not feeling well earlier in the day. "But, that's the way Roger was," said Dinkins. He was fully committed to his job and to the well over 400 postal customers he served.

Du Quoin police received an emergency response call and Jones was taken by ambulance to Marshall Browning Hospital where ER personnel followed every protocol available to them. The Du Quoin Post Office was notified and personnel secured the undelivered mail and parcels.

"He had all of North Hickory Street and everything west out to the ball fields," said Dinkins.

Jones was not married and had no children. His early career was as a teacher. He loved history.

Arrangements are pending at Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.