Henry Melvin Jones

Henry Melvin "Hap" Jones, 91, of Westminster, Maryland, passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 9, 2025. Born on May 11, 1934, in Washington, D.C., Hap was the son of the late Louis Edward and Sydney Jones. He was the devoted husband of 64 years to the late Lucille Marie "Lucy" Jones, whom he married on May 5, 1957. Their life together was one built on deep faith, unwavering love, and a shared joy in family. A proud Veteran of the United States Army, Hap served honorably during the Korean War. He graduated from Mount Saint Joseph High School and went on to earn his associate degree from Catonsville Community College. At just 18, he began what would become a remarkable 45-year career with Bendix Field Engineering. Throughout those decades, Hap served in many capacities and traveled the world, retiring in 1998 as a logistics manager. Hap was a devout Catholic whose faith shaped his life from childhood onward. He held treasured memories of attending St. Charles School in Pikesville, where he served proudly as an altar boy, and of St. Ambrose Church in Pimlico, where he attended parish dances, played recreational sports, met lifelong friends-and met the love of his life, Lucy. Known for his deep love of baseball, Hap was a talented catcher whose stories of memorable matchups-Security against Civitan, the Herds teams, and even his draft team offers-were legendary. He was a loyal fan of the Baltimore Colts and Orioles and savored the simple joys of life: warm summer evenings on the porch swing, a baseball game playing on the radio, and a cool Pabst Blue Ribbon in hand. Above all, Hap was devoted to his family. He cherished every moment with them and was known for his humor, his practical jokes, and the laughter he brought to every gathering. Hap is survived by his children: daughter Nina Bingham of Westminster; sons Vincent Jones of Philadelphia, Phillip Jones of Westminster, and Tim Jones of Manchester. His dearest daughter, Christina, preceded him in death on March 31, 2015. He is also survived by his sister Susie Smith of Sykesville; sons-in-law and daughters-in-law Brian Tanhauser of Westminster, Karen Jones of Westminster, Jennifer Jones of Manchester, and Andrew Morison of Philadelphia. Hap was blessed with eight grandchildren-Nicholas Bingham and Susan, Megan McDiarmid and Dana, Kristin Wenger and Glenn, Brenna Bohn and Andy, Zachary McDiarmid, Carley Jones, Caitlyn Jones, and Alissa Jones Fenters and Blake-and thirteen great-grandchildren-Ray, Jake, Madison, Blake, Faith, Ava, Andrew, Natalie, Owen, Trey, Jonas, Sophie, and new baby Zoey. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. In addition to his parents, wife, and daughter, Hap was preceded in death by his siblings Evelyn Hudgins, Marie Buccalo, Raymond Jones, Bernie Jones, Thomas Jones, and Donald Jones. A visitation for Henry will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 2:00 to 6:00 PM at Pritts Funeral Home & Chapel, 412 Washington Road, Westminster. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 11am at St. John Catholic Church, 43 Monroe Street, Westminster. Interment will follow at Crest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Marriottsville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Carroll County 2517 Littlestown Pike, Westminster MD 21158 (410) 848-4810 https://hscarroll.org/donate/or Tunnels to Towers https://t2t.org/donate/ in his honor. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.prittsfuneralhome.com