Hampton, NH — Merle Angus Jones, Jr., age 77, of Hampton, New Hampshire, died at his home on March 7, 2013.
Born in Amesbury, Massachusetts, April 18, 1935, he was the son of the late Merle A. and Charlotte F. (Hatch) Jones and was a graduate of Amesbury High School, Class of 1953.
Merle was a proud Korean War veteran, serving with the United States Marine Corps from September 3, 1953 until his honorable discharge on September 2, 1956 with the rank of Sergeant Major. Merle had 800 men under his command. He and 600 of his Marines were all set to ship out for battle when the war ended. He continued to serve with the USMC Reserve until 1961. A Korean War Veteran Memorial was erected for all those men, and Merle’s name is on that memorial.
For a short period of time, Mr. Jones had worked as a linotype operator at the Amesbury Daily News, moved furniture for Greaney Movers in Amesbury and was a Police Officer with the Town of Amesbury for seven years. He drove a school bus, and was going to High School for Pg course to enter college. He was doing all of the above everyday.
While attending New York University for his master’s degree in physiology, Mr. Jones taught at a private high school in Brooklyn New York. He went on to receive his doctorate degree from Pittsburgh University, while he was teaching 11th and 12th grade English at the Millvale High School in Millvale, Pennsylvania, where his students honored him by dedicating their 1968 High School Year Book in his name. Merle went to Hawthorne College, where he completed 4 years of studies in 3 years to graduate with the 1st graduating class at Hawthorne, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree. He was also Dean of Students, then became Dean of Men from 1968 to 1981. He received his pilots license at Hawthorne and became Vice President of Administrator Affairs till the College closed.
Mr. Jones was the owner of Jones Seafood in Hampton, New Hampshire, supplying the seacoast area with quality seafood for many years.
He enjoyed spending time with family and friends who were always enthralled with his gift for storytelling and his great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.
His survivors include his wife, Nancy (Macewen) Jones of Auburn, NH; son, Eric Jones and wife Cindy of Pelham, NH; brother, Wayne A. Jones and wife Marie of Indiana, sister, Charlotte F. Boutin and husband Armand of Kingston, NH as well as several generations of nieces, nephews. and cousins.
ARRANGEMENTS: By his request, there will be no visiting hours and services and interment will be private for the family. Arrangements are by Paul C. Rogers & Sons Family Funeral Home, 2 Hillside Avenue, Amesbury.
