Media

Merle Jones

Year Inducted: 1973

Category: Media

Schools / Organizations: The Southern Illinoisan

Biography: Merle Jones was the sports editor of The Southern Illinoisan in Carbondale beginning in 1949.  The Herrin resident is a native of the southern part of Illinois, born in Johnston City, graduated from Marion HS in 1933, and attended both Southern Illinois University and the University of Illinois.  Except for 54 months of WW II service, Merle worked for The Southern Illinoisan continuously beginning in 1937.  In 1958 he was the first recipient of what has become the annual William McAndrew Award established for outstanding service to Southern Illinois athletics.  He is a former officer of the Illinois AP Sports Writers.  Following his passing in December of 1993, The Southern Illinoisan established a recognition award in Merle’s honor.   The award is designed to recognize a member of the media whose coverage of sporting events has been “outstanding.”