Donald Jones, 48, director of commission

Donald Jones, director of a state commission on prison conditions, died of cancer Saturday at his Randallstown home. He was 48.

Mr. Jones was a staff member of the Commission on Correctional Standards for five years before being named its executive director in 1993. The commission monitors standards regarding constitutional issues, health and safety in prisons, jails and other correctional institutions.

"He was fair, objective and a pleasure to work with," said Marie Henderson, chairwoman of the commission for the past 23 years. "He took his work seriously and had a dry sense of humor. He made you smile."

Born and raised in Baltimore, Mr. Jones was a 1972 graduate of City College. He earned a degree in corrections administration and criminal justice from the University of Baltimore.

As a young man he was a correctional officer at Patuxent Institution.

He enjoyed reading and travel.

Services will held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at March Funeral Home, 4300 Wabash Ave.

Survivors include his parents, Robert and Catherine Jones; two brothers, Robert L. Jones and Reginald Jones; and three half-sisters, Monique Jones, Maria Jones and Meli Jones. All are of Baltimore.