David Allen Jenkinson

David Allen Jenkinson, 64 of Vanderbilt, passed away at home on Friday, December 11, 2015. Born on December 2, 1951 in Grand Rapids, he was the son of David Allen and Shirley Jane (Hilliker) Jenkinson.

David’s father died when he was young. His mother had remarried and David considered his stepfather, Ron Buchholz, his dad. The family moved to Vanderbilt in the late 1960’s. Dave graduated from Vanderbilt High School in 1969. He was attending North Central Michigan College in Petoskey in 1971when he was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army.

Later, after returning home, he worked at Standard Products for several years before going to work at the Otsego County Commission on Aging for more than 17 years. David was well known and well liked by his OCCOA family and the residents at Alten Zimmer. Working in maintenance, he was always willing to help where he was needed.

A nature lover, David enjoyed camping. He loved computers, he followed politics closely and he loved Dr. Who, Star Trek and the Highlander movies…because there can only be ONE. He was most proud of his grandchildren and took great pride in working with the OCCOA family.

David is survived by the love of his life and life partner, Mary Sawicki Freeman of Vanderbilt; his children, Mark Jenkinson of WVA, Dena Speilmaker of Vanderbilt and Chrystal Bone of KY; sisters, Cathy Brink and Mary (Don) Howard of Vanderbilt, Tracy Matts of Gaylord and Linda Knoch of Macon, GA; seven grandchildren; his “other children”, Shonda, DJ, Troy, Summer, Skylar, Keylee, Alex and Taylor; several special friends that he considered family; his beloved dog, Bella and his OCCOA family.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, December 18, 2015 at Vanderbilt Community Church where the family will visit with friends beginning at 11:00 AM. Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to David’s family.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Please share your memories with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com