Donald Jenkins

Donald T. Jenkins, 76, of Harrington passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, December 22, 2020.

At the age of 13, Donald started working on the farm with his grandfather. At 16, he started hauling fertilizer with his father. In 1964, he went to work in Dover at Kraft General Foods. He worked as a foreman in the Log Cabin Syrup department until they moved it out of Delaware. He then went to the maintenance department as a millwright where he stayed until he retired in 2006 after 42 years with the company.

His passion for honoring his father’s military service and other veterans led him to start the Sons of the American Legion in 1990 at the Legion Post #7 in Harrington. Building this branch of service, he was able to lead young boys and men into helping serve the community in many projects. A couple shining examples are the “Adopt a Bear” program with the Harrington Police, and “Coats for Kids” at the local school.  He enjoyed giving 30 years of his time to anything he could do to help the S.A.L. and all it stands for.

He will be remembered as a fun-loving man who would do anything for anyone to put a smile on your face. He enjoyed making people happy, and loving everyone as a friend from the first time he met you. A man of many names: Donald, Donnie, DJ, Bud, Bubba, Curly, Jenks, Biscuit Head, The Mayor, and Pop.

In addition to his parents, Thomas and Doris Jenkins, Donald is preceded in death by his daughter, Donna R. Jenkins.

He will be deeply missed by his partner, companion and wife of 29 years, Ginny.  His two fur babies Emma and Eva, an adopted daughter Sandy Baker; two step sons, Randell (Lisa) Lyons of GA, their two sons-Tyler and Camden Lyons, Thomas (Anne Marie) Lyons of DE, and there two sons, Kolt and Clifford Lyons. His two sisters, Beverly Merchant, Val Porter; a special niece Vera Cordova, and many more nieces and nephews.

Graveside services for Donald will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 2:00PM at Hollywood Cemetery, Harrington. We are adhering to CDC and State of Delaware guidelines and ask everyone to please wear a mask, and practice social distancing.  In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sons of the Legion CKRT Post #7 1744 S. Dupont Hwy. Harrington, DE 19952, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriot’s Way, Milford, DE 19963 are requested.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 4th to honor his love of throwing picnics on that holiday.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.

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