Howard Mark Jones

H. Mark Jones, 75, of Georgetown, Pennsylvania, passed away on July 13, 2026.

Mark was born on April 10, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late C. Howard Jones and Dorothy B. Jones, and grew up in Murrysville. He attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in sociology—and, much more importantly, met Ellen. The two married on August 18, 1972, beginning more than 53 years of marriage.

Although Mark was known to say, “Trust me, I’m a sociologist,” his career took him well beyond his field of study and through a variety of roles and companies, including Lee Norse, JENNY, Homestead Industries, and GPX, Inc. He ultimately retired from AGX, Inc.

Mark and Ellen were creative and capable partners from the beginning. Early in their marriage, they ran a photography business together. Later, they designed and physically built their own home—a fitting accomplishment for a man who was intelligent, curious, resourceful, and seemingly always capable of figuring out how to do something.

That curiosity also made Mark an early adopter of technology. He spent countless hours learning about computers, not only because they fascinated him, but because he enjoyed putting that knowledge to use for other people. Long before everyone had a tech-support person in their pocket, Mark was the one friends, family, church members, fellow Grange members, and others in the community called when a computer wasn't cooperating. He was generous with both his knowledge and his time and was always willing to help someone figure out what had gone wrong.

Above all, Mark cherished his wife and family. He loved unconditionally, delighted in being generous, comforted easily, and amused everyone around him. He was a thoughtful and nurturing father whose example taught his daughter not only about life, but about the kind of person she wanted to become. He adored his grandchildren and took great joy in being their grandfather.

Mark is survived by his wife, Ellen; his daughter, Rachel Maize; and his beloved grandchildren, Audrey and Ezra. He is also survived by his brothers, Kenneth (Rumi) Jones and Russell (Kathy) Jones; his niece, Gayle Jones; and his nephew, Andrew Jones. He was preceded in death by his nephew, Byron Jones, and his beloved son-in-law, Ian.

Mark was an active member of the Hookstown Grange and Mill Creek Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Hookstown. Through his involvement with the Grange and the community, he also served for many years as emcee of the opening ceremonies at the Hookstown Fair. At Mill Creek, he served as a lay pastor and played in the bell choir. His faith was not simply something he professed, but something he carried into the way he treated people—with kindness, compassion, generosity, and love.

Years ago, when Mark and Ellen were planning their wedding, Mark had one unusual request: he wanted glitter scattered on the church steps so that everyone who entered would carry a little of it away on their shoes. He also said that someday, at his funeral, he wanted glitter on the church steps again, so people would know he was dancing with Jesus.

There will be no formal funeral service, but the sentiment remains. His family takes comfort in imagining Mark dancing with Jesus and reunited with Ian, the son-in-law he loved so dearly—quite possibly talking about home improvement, making puns, and laughing together again.

Mark was a vibrant, funny, smart, and considerate man whose presence brought light to the lives around him. His kind blue eyes, quick wit, generous spirit, and deep capacity for love will be remembered by those fortunate enough to have known him.

It is impossible to encapsulate in a few paragraphs a man who was so much to so many. But Mark lived a steadfast and faithful life. He touched many, loved deeply, and left behind people who are better because he was here.

And really, that’s all that matters.

Professional arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver. Online condolences may be shared at nollfuneral.com.