Melvin Lee (Hank) Jones was born December 27, 1964, in Ada, Oklahoma, to Maudie Mae (Tatum) and Melvin Franklin (Sonny) Jones. Hank went to be with the Lord Wednesday May 22, 2024.
Hank was raised in the Ada community. He attended Ada High and East Central University, excelling in athletics. Hank was a member of Ada’s 1980 state champion football team and in 1983 set a state record while becoming a state champion shot putter. He continued football after high school, earning a scholarship and playing at East Central.
Hank lived many wonderful years in Purcell, Oklahoma, with his children Amanda, Sarah, and Daxon, and their mother Maria Dawn (McGuire) Jones. He was very active in his childrens’ pursuits and made many great friends in the Purcell community.
On May 20, 2017, he married the love of his life Leanne Ruggles in Edmond, Oklahoma. They were married at the Keeton Inn Bed and Breakfast and rented all of the rooms for the family. Hank was proud to boast his children and grandchildren stayed with him and Leanne on the first night of their honeymoon. Hank and Leanne made their home in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and were members of Lakeview Baptist Church. Hank loved Lakeview Baptist Church, growing in faith, and sharing his walk with the Lord.
Hank began his law enforcement career with 2 years at the Ada Police Department followed by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, serving the public a total of 27 years. He aided in many incidents including the 1995 Murrah Building bombing and both the 1999 and 2013 Moore tornadoes. After retiring as a Lieutenant from the OHP, he worked briefly at Best Well Service before joining Plains Marketing LP as a Truck Service Manager offering his expertise in dealing with trucks, fleets, and safety. Hank was honored to work for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Best Well Service, and Plains Marketing LP. He often remarked the most rewarding parts of his work were the bonds and friendships he developed.
But he was most proud of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He spent hours bragging about them to anyone who would listen.
Hank loved fishing and hunting with friends, tailgating and cheering for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, grilling and smoking meats plus caring for his home and yard. More than anything, he reveled in time with family playing board games, cards, Nerf gun wars, and Pie Face. He was very competitive and often had to be reminded to let the grandchildren win sometimes.
Hank was preceded in death by his parents and a special cousin, Tracy James Jones.
He is survived by his wife Leanne; two daughters and a son-in-law, Amanda and Anthony Centeno of Aubrey, Texas and Sarah Jones of Purcell; son and daughter-in-law, Daxon and Vivian Jones of Edmond, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Collier Goad, Lillian and Easton Centeno, Declan and Mia Jones; the mother of his children, Maria Dawn (McGuire) Jones; sisters, LaDeena McDaniel and Ahlisha Marlowe; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Debbie and David Campbell; plus a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services for Hank, were held at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Lakeview Baptist Church with Pastor Chris Wilkerson officiating. Interment will be held at 2 p.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.
Memorial donations may be made in Hank’s name to the Oklahoma State Trooper’s Foundation at OSTF.org or to Lakeview Christian Academy.
There will not be any visitation.
Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.smithgallo.com.