Vernon Kelley Jenkins

Vernon Kelly Jenkins, born December 29, 1932, passed away in his home on December 15, 2014. Vernon and wife, Barbara, met at Carson Newman College and married in 1954, following his graduation. After four years in the Air Force and with the addition of children, Tina and Ray, the family settled in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where Vernon worked at the Oak Ridge National Laboratories. While there, he earned a Masters degree in Biology and a PhD in Radiation Biology from the University of Tennessee. Vernon moved the family to Houston, TX in 1968 where he did graduate work at the Baylor School of Medicine. Vernon then did research and taught at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, retiring in 1994.

At that point, he began to devote his time to his many interests and hobbies: writing, painting, wood carving, hunting, fishing and vintage cars. He first owned a 1931 Model A Ford Roadster and later had a friend restore a 1931 Model A Ford, fondly named the "Classy Chassis". He enjoyed many friendships and lively tours with the "A" clubs in the area. For over 20 years, he and the family also enjoyed many happy times at their cabin on Lake Amanda in Colmesneil, Texas. What began as a small trailer on the lakeside lot, became, with lots of Vernon's ingenuity and elbow-grease, and help from his journeyman grandson, Steven, a cozy retreat to be enjoyed for generations to come.

The family was active in churches wherever they lived and Vernon served as a teacher, leader and deacon, touching many lives through his service. Though his family and friends will miss him, they will rejoice in the good, full and honest life he lived with his Christian faith as his guide.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Oromo Project. To learn more about this Ethiopian ministry, please visit their website at theoromoproject.org.