In 1942 his family moved to Catonsville, Maryland. At an early age Louis displayed a thirst and talent for mathematics and music teaching himself how to play the piano. He was educated at Banneker Elementary School, Booker T Washington Jr. High School, and graduated from Frederick Douglas High School in 1951. Upon graduation from Frederick Douglas High School, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served until 1955 when he received an honorable discharge. While in the Air Force he displayed a high aptitude for mathematics and electronics and was the only African American from his unit who was chosen to be trained in the Air Force’s Electronic Radio school. Upon his discharge on June 8 1955, he was united in holy matrimony to Jean Elizabeth Walton. This union was blessed with three sons.
Beginning in 1955, he continued his career in electronics as a Radio Maintenance Technician at Bendix Corp. while at the same time attending night classes at Morgan State University majoring in Mathematics. In 1959 he graduated from Morgan State with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Mathematics. He left Bendix and had an impressive career in the private sector working for Westinghouse where he learned programming. He then secured a position with IBM where he was selected as the first African American manager at IBM in the Maryland area. He was also selected as the African American face to represent IBM Management in a full-page layout for Life Magazine. After an impressive career at IBM working as a computer programmer and manager, he retired in 1989.
After retiring from IBM, Louis began a second career as a consultant and semiprofessional piano player. He played in venues such as Oscar Taylor’s restaurant, Brook Grove Assisted living Center, and the Brook Grove Nursing Home. In addition, he was the Assistant Administrator to the Director of Assisted Living. He also worked in the family-owned business, Comfy Clean Corporation. Louis was also an avid athlete who played baseball, softball, tennis and golf. He firmly believed in the power of hard work and education as a weapon to battle oppression, ignorance and poverty. Louis was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He dedicated himself to the well-being of his family and friends. His benevolence knew no bounds.
Louis A Jones Sr departed this life on January 09, 2023. He is survived by his three sons, Louis A. Jones Jr. AVP, Prof. Darryl V. Jones, and Dr. Michael E. Jones; daughter-in-law, Cathleen Trigg Jones; six grandchildren, two great grand daughters and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Donations can be made in his memory to: Boys Town Catholic Charities at boystown.org or call 1-888-332-3219 as well as The United Negro College Fund
UNCF Donation Webpage: https://secure2.convio.net/uncf/site/SPageNavigator/MDG.html
Viewing of the body: Friday, February 3, 2023.4PM to 7PM Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home.
Viewing of the body: Saturday, February 4, 2023 1030am-11am St. Peter's Parish, Olney, MD
Funeral Service: Saturday, February, 4, 2023 11am.
Interment: Saturday, February, 4, 2022 12:30 PM Norbeck Memorial Park, Olney, MD
Memorial Reception: February, 4, 2023 Immediately Following the Interment at Hines-Rinaldi.
