Vernon W. Henkel, Jr.

Vernon Wilbur Henkel Jr. went to be with the Lord on November 10, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on September 27, 1945, in Curtis Bay, Maryland, Vernon or “Chalie” as he was affectionately known was the son of the late Vernon W. Henkel Sr. and Ethel “Mae” (Franklin) Henkel. He attended Southern High School in Baltimore and was drafted into the United States Army in 1963. He proudly served his country in Korea before receiving an honorable discharge.

Following his military service, Vernon worked briefly for the railroad before beginning a long and dedicated career as a chemical operator with FMC Corporation in Curtis Bay, Maryland, where he worked for nearly 40 years until his retirement.

In January 1972, Vernon married the love of his life, Loraine Cook. Together they shared 53 years of marriage. They spent most of their lives in Curtis Bay before retiring in 2014 to their beloved Taylors Island, Maryland—a place that brought them both great joy and peace.

Vernon had an appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, crabbing, gardening, and spending time on Taylors Island. He was a devoted fan of Baltimore sports and loved watching the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens. He also enjoyed collecting coins, arrowheads, insects, and countless treasures he discovered throughout the years. Vernon loved spending time tinkering in his sheds and took great pride in sharing his collections and projects with family and friends.

Vernon is survived by his beloved wife, Loraine Henkel; his daughters, Lynn Rzucidlo (Ryan) and Jennifer Davenport; and his grandchildren, Abby, Emily, Ryan, Cole, and Kaity. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Ruth Yesko (Edmund), Verna Leonard, and Joyce Clarke (Robert), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Vernon was preceded in death by his sisters, Shirley Henkel and Audrey Channel (Pat).

Vernon will be remembered for his love of family, his service to his country, his lifelong work ethic, and the joy he found in the simple pleasures of life.