MONTE VISTA  — Jones William Pryor passed Jan. 18, 2020 at his home on Adams St. in Monte Vista.

Bill was born April 4, 1919 and was a lifelong resident of Monte Vista. He served in the Army during World War II in the South Pacific where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

After the service, Bill went to CSU in Fort Collins and earned a degree in Forestry. Bill met his wife at CSU (Helen Imelda Shea) and they were married in 1948.

After graduation, they returned to Monte Vista where Bill worked for Sunrise Cemetery and Sinton Dairy.

Bill is survived by his four children (Pat Griest, Linda Pryor, Bill Pryor, and Michelle Schaefer); eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by parents, Edwin and Edith Pryor; brothers, Wallace and Robert; his wife, Helen of 57 years; daughter-in-law, Patti; a grandchild, Erin; and a nephew, Bobby.

Bill enjoyed the mountains, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

Bill was an artist and was a longtime member of the Alpine Artists. Bill very much enjoyed sharing his art in hand- painted Christmas cards and his paintings are scattered across the country with family and friends. Bill celebrated his 100th birthday in 2019.

Funeral services are being handled by Romero Funeral Home. Memorial Mass will be held at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Monte Vista  at 2 p.m. On Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020. Reception and eulogy to follow.