Merlyn Jones

Merlyn Ralph Jones, 82, of Fayetteville, PA, passed away Wednesday evening, July 17, 2013 at Menno Haven Retirement Community, Chambersburg, PA. Born February 12, 1931 in Berwick, PA, he was the son of the late Merlyn D. and Dorothy Brader Jones. Merl was a graduate of Nescopeck High School, Nescopeck, PA and received a BS Degree in Health and Physical Education from East Stroudsburg State University in 1952. He later went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Personnel and Industrial Relations from George Washington University in 1961. He served from 1952 – 1955 in the US Army and was then employed at the National Security Agency from 1956-1962. He retired in the 1980’s as Director of Personnel at the Defense Intelligence Agency. After retiring from the federal government he worked part-time for Merrill Lynch Realty in Fairfax, VA and in the Athletic Department at George Mason University. He was a member of St. John’s United Church of Christ and Burt J. Asper Post 46 American Legion, both in Chambersburg, and was a past member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He played varsity soccer, basketball, and baseball in high school and college and was a member of the 1952 undefeated East Stroudsburg State University soccer team and the University’s varsity “S” Club. An avid and passionate golfer he had 2 aces in his lifetime. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed coaching high school level select soccer and basketball teams in New Carrollton, MD. Merl was a great friend to many and will be deeply missed by those who knew him.

A dedicated and loving husband, he is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Carole J. Hampel Jones; his son, David M. Jones and wife Margot of Vienna, VA; his daughter, Diane B. Jones of Harpers Ferry, WV; two grandsons, David M. Jones, Jr. and Treanor Jones; and two sisters, Barbara Cecil and Kay Stout.

A memorial service celebrating Merl’s life will be held at 11:00 AM Monday, July 22, 2013 at St. John’s United Church of Christ, Chambersburg, PA with Rev. Mark Ruzicka officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 AM at the church. Interment will be 11:00 AM on Saturday July 27th at Berwick Cemetery, Pine Grove Annex, in Berwick, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s United Church of Christ, 1811 Lincoln Way West, Chambersburg, PA 17202 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.