Melvin Ambers Jones, age 78, passed from this life at his residence in Odessa, TX on Thursday, November 15, 2018. He was born on June 27, 1940 in De Roan Township, Hempstead County, Arkansas to the late Wesley Ambers and Virgie Estel Jones. He grew up in Hope, AR. Melvin married Norma Gail Culbertson on August 4, 1988. Melvin is survived by his wife, Norma, and brother; JW Jones and Janet of Hot Springs, AR; sisters Sue Dailey of Hope, AR and Joan Fortune of Denton, TX.
While serving in the Marine Corps in the early 1960s, Melvin became educated in the field of accounting. After serving our country, he worked for several nationally known manufacturers and government contractors as an inspector and quality control engineer in the field of chemically milled parts. He moved his family to the Permian Basin in the early 1970s to refurbish work-over rigs. He later served as inspector for local oilfield companies. In 1984, working from his garage with a field truck, he opened a small specialized hydraulic shop. He began by repairing pumps and designing hydraulic systems.
Melvin recently retired from Melvin Jones Hydraulics, Inc. to care for his oldest son, Rick Jones, age 56, who suffered a stroke. His youngest son, Jeff Jones, had joined his Dad as General Manager in 2005. Jeff’s wife, Susan, came to work as Office Manager in 1994. Melvin also has two step-sons, William Foster and Fred Foster who both have history with the company. Fred currently works as Chief Mechanic.
Melvin was a long-standing member of the Eagles Lodge. He enjoyed deer hunting with his best buds and activities with his kids and grandchildren. He liked to spin hunting stories and could sure tell some whoppers that put “fishing tales” to shame. Melvin was extremely kind, hard-working, honest and fun-loving and will be sorely missed by beloved family and friends.
Those left to cherish his love and memory are his wife Norma Gail Jones of Odessa; two sons: Rick Lynne Jones of Odessa and Jeffery Dell Jones and wife Susan of Odessa; two step-sons: William Foster of Atoka, OK and Fred W. Foster and wife Teresa of Odessa; grandchildren Max and Celina Jones, Leah, Joseph, Zachary, Noah, Stephanie, Dakota, Micaela and Lauren Foster, Chase Floyd, Joe Searcy Jr., Chelsea Reeves, Katlyn, Maria and Emma Barton and six great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be open at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 from 9am – 9pm. Services will be held in the Chapel at Hubbard Kelly on Wednesday, November 21st at 10am with Dr. Jimmy Braswell officiating.
