Lonnie E. Jenkins

Lonnie E. Jenkins, 80, of Robbinsville, NC, passed away early Thursday, August 30, 2018 at his residence after a brief illness.

A native of Graham County, he was the son of the late Paul and Lillian Higdon Jenkins.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, the mother of his children, Rosemary Lovensheimer Jenkins, his wife, Barbara Hawk Jenkins, and his son, David Jenkins.

Mr. Jenkins had a distinguished 26 year career in the US Air Force. He was deployed multiple times to the Far East/Asian Theater in support of the Vietnam War earning him several awards along with numerous awards throughout his career.  He retired with the rank of Sr. Master Sergeant.

He is survived by his daughter, Julie Jenkins of Robbinsville, NC; his sons and daughters in law, Mark and Alma Jenkins of Del Rio, TX, and John and Kris Jenkins of South Bend, IN; his brothers and sisters in law, Clarence and Pat Jenkins of Brevard, NC, Aaron  and Linda Jenkins of Hendersonville, NC, and David and Brenda Jenkins of Morristown, TN; and his sisters and brothers in law, Hester and Ted Hedrick of Robbinsville, NC, Dollie Bennison of Hendersonville, NC, and Bonnie and Phil Nesbitt of Hendersonville, NC.  He has numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm Saturday, September 1, 2018 at the Townson-Smith Chapel.  The Reverend Larry Grindstaff will officiate.  The family will receive friends from 2:00 until 4:00 pm Saturday at the Chapel, prior to the service.  Military rites honoring his service to his country will be conducted by the NC National Guard Honor Guard.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Jenkins family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.