Donald S. Jernigan

Donald S. Jernigan, a 50-year resident of St. Helen, passed away February 1, 2012. Don was born on December 5, 1939, in Almont, Michigan, the son of John and Elva Jernigan. He graduated from Livonia Bentley High School in 1957. Don married Kathleen Nagy on December 5, 1959, and moved to St. Helen in December of 1961. Don was instrumental in building roads, subdivisions, canals and many homes in St. Helen and around the state. He was a member of the Richfield Township Fire Department for 47 years as a firefighter and EMT. Don was also a member of the St. Helen Lions Club, Richfield Township Public Library Board, Zoning Board, Planning Board, and CERT. Don was also a long-time member of the “Round Table." Don’s most recent contribution was the Community Park and the St.Helen Veterans’ Memorial. Don is survived by his wife of 52 years, Kathleen, two sons, Matthew (Michele) and Mark (Janie), five grandchildren, Nathan, Caleb and Donald Jernigan, Michelle (Matthew) Morley and Ronda (Nate) Spencer; four great-grandchildren, Matthew and Sarah Morley and Zane and Kasen Spencer; his sister Linda (Bill) Neville; sisters-in-law RoseMary Hiner, Louann (Henry) Werksma; brother-in-law Frank Nagy; many loving nieces and nephews, and his adopted son Bradley Bannon. Don was preceded in death by his infant son Patrick, his parents John and Dorothy Jernigan, John and Elva Taylor; and his faithful Rottweiler, Brutus. Memorial Donations may be made either to the St. Helen Memorial Community Park or the St. Helen Veterans Memorial at P.O. Box 255, St. Helen, MI 48656.