Thomas Lee Jenkins

Thomas (Tom) Lee Jenkins, age 76, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on March 23, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. He was born on January 4, 1949, in Dayton, Ohio, to the late Jack and Ruth Jenkins. Tom would proudly live his life as a devoted son, brother, husband, father, uncle and friend.

Tom graduated from Brookville High School in 1967 and proudly served four years in the United States Army, stationed in places like Key West, Florida, and South Korea.

On December 11, 1971, Tom married the love of his life, Mary Jane Evans, and together they raised two sons, Mark and Jason.

A proud father, Tom always made time to attend his son’s school and sporting events while they were growing up. He lived in several places throughout his life, including Brookville, Verona, Lewisburg, and Columbus, Ohio as well as Cornelia, Georgia.

Tom spent the majority of his career working for General Telephone & Electronics (GTE) as a cable-splicer, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He also devoted many years to the Verona Fire Department in Verona, Ohio. As a volunteer firefighter, he enjoyed the camaraderie with his fellow volunteers, the excitement of emergency calls, and the opportunity to help others.

In his younger years, Tom enjoyed working in his garage, going on Saturday "beer runs" with his close friend Dennis Acton, attending flea markets and dances with Mary Jane, stopping by his parent’s house to visit, and attending events of all kinds at the old Hara Arena with the boys. He loved to fish and he loved being at home with his family.

Sadly, in 1999, Mary Jane passed away. Tom mourned her and missed her everyday for the rest of his life. Although Tom will be missed by his family and friends, we will always take comfort in knowing that Tom and Mary Jane are together again.

Tom was also preceded in death by his older siblings: Jackie Munsey, Greg Jenkins, and Pam Weaver; and his father and mother-in-law Richard and Betty Evans.

Tom is survived by his sons, Mark (Jennifer) and Jason (Ashley) and his grandchildren from Mark and Jennifer: Emma, Lauren, Joseph, and Julia; his only younger sibling Jodi Blacklidge; as well as many in-laws, nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held for close family and friends at Sugar Grove Cemetery in West Alexandria, Ohio on April 12th, 2025.