Ralph P. Jones, Jr.

Ralph P. Jones, Jr.

Wonderful & Loving -

Ralph P. Jones, Jr., 86, of Mechanicsburg , and formerly of Delaware County , Ohio, died peacefully and at home with his loving wife and daughter by his side on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.  He was born in Kilbourne, Ohio, on Sunday, September 19, 1926, son of the late Ralph Pearl Jones, Sr. and Esther Lucille (Kennedy) Jones.  Ralph was the husband of Virginia “Ginger” Ann (Kendall) Jones whom he married on March 2, 1947 and who survives him.

Ralph’s survivors also include his loving daughter, Jennifer “JJ” “Jennie” Bain and her husband Brian of Maryland; his granddaughter, Samantha Cook and her husband Matthew and their children, James, Jesse and Jonah all of Maryland.

Ralph retired from the Pennsylvania State Harness Racing Commission in 1991 as the Deputy Executive Secretary.  Ralph also served as an Associate Editor of The Harness Horse magazine.  He was a long-time member of Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg having joined the church in 1964 and a US Air Force Veteran .  Everyone enjoyed Ralph’s great sense of humor which may explain why he had so many friends.  He was a wonderful and loving man who seemed to attract children like a magnet with his gentle and giving spirit.  Sports, especially golf were dear to Ralph as were his vegetable gardens which were huge and delicious.  He loved pets and, of course, horses and he enjoyed hunting.  He was a special man and he will be missed greatly.

All are welcome to join Ralph’s family at his Gathering of Family and Friends on Saturday, June 1, 2013, from 12:00 until time of memorial service at 1:30 at Saint Peter Lutheran Church , 130 Nittany Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, with Pastor Naomi Sease Carriker officiating.  A Committal Service will immediately follow at the Church where military honors will be presented by the Cumberland County Honor Guard .  Ralph’s family invites everyone to join them for a time of food and fellowship at his church following the services.  Honored to be urn bearers are: Matthew McClure, Ryan McClure and Matthew Cook.  Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Ralph’s church, Saint Peter Lutheran Church .

Ralph’s family has entrusted his care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ralph’s full obituary, share your memories and photos, offer your condolences and view his memorial video and portrait at www.Myers-Buhrig.com .