August 2019
Keith Milton Fletcher, JD ’79
Keith Milton Fletcher, beloved husband, son, father, and grandfather passed away on August 11 at the age of 63, moving from life to Life, at MD Anderson Cancer Center after a brief but intense battle with lymphoma. Keith was born to Becky and Roy Fletcher (both now deceased) in Corpus Christi, TX. He was one of four brothers - Howard (deceased), Gary, of Nitro, WV, and Robert, of Lancaster, CA. Roy worked for Ford Motor Company, and so the family moved throughout Texas, eventually settling in Houston. Keith graduated from Sharpstown High School and attended Houston Baptist University, where he received a BA in economics. During college, he met the love of his life, Lane Ferrero, while on a backpacking trip to New Mexico. They were married in 1978 and moved to Waco while Keith completed law school at Baylor. Upon completing his JD in 1979, Keith and Lane returned to Houston, where Keith landed his first - and only - job as an attorney. The firm, then known by a different name, soon grew, and with Keith's ascendance to partner, was re-named as Simmons and Fletcher, as it is known today. Keith and Lane raised four children in the Memorial neighborhood of Houston - Travis (married to Jill Daniels of Gig Harbor, WA, with grandchildren Will, Hadley, and Amelia), James (engaged to Bianca Cedrone of Austin, TX), Chris (married to Jacqueline Teoh of Houston, TX), and Elizabeth (married to James Wiseman of Austin, TX, with granddaughter Josephine). Their life together as a family was surrounded by cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, adventures in camping and exploring around Texas, and investing in their community of faith. Keith was also involved with the Big Brothers - Big Sisters program in Houston and was invested in his 'little brother' Chris Callegari all throughout his life. For the entire family, our grief is a measure of our gratitude. Keith was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and yet all of his allegiances began and ended with his devotion to Jesus Christ. He never came to a task or responsibility half-heartedly, but also kept a light touch in his work, study, service, parenting, and relationships. Keith was a teacher of the Bible, a leader in his community, and someone whose influence in the legal and non-profit communities remained effectual until the very end. Several weeks before his passing, Keith was speaking and leading men at the Terrell Prison Unit through the ministry of Kairos International.
Desmond Terraine Jenkins, JD ’12
Desmond Terraine Jenkins entered into rest Wednesday Aug. 14, 2019 at 33 years of age. He was born to Ernest Jenkins and Vassandral Trimble July 5, 1986. He received his formal education at Trinidad ISD, where he was a stellar student and athlete. He continued his academic and athletic prowess at Baylor University where he received a Bachelor's in Business Administration from the Hankamer School of Business and a Juris Doctorate from Baylor Law School. Desmond also had the honor of serving as his Law School's Class President and was a member of Baylor Bear Football as a safety. After graduation, Desmond worked for several law firms, eventually settling in with Starr Schoenbrun & Comte PLLC in Tyler, Texas. He also accepted the Gospel call and preached his inaugural message Aug. 4, 2019 at Cedar Fork Baptist Church in Trinidad, Texas. His life will continue to preach to many for years to come. He was preceded in death by Melvin Harmon (brother). He leaves to honor his memory: his father, Ernest Jenkins; mother, Vassandral Trimble; girlfriend, Patrise Hornbuckle (her son Cameron); sisters, Kimberly Dawson and Jacqueline Carr (Rodney); brothers, Corey Jenkins (Arnessa), Jerell Williams (Velekia), Quincy Jenkins (Ashley), Ahmad Jenkins; a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Ty Allan Drury, JD '18
Ty Allan Drury went to be with his Lord and Savior, on Sunday, August 25, 2019 in Fort Worth. Ty was born on August 6, 1991 in Fort Worth to James and Sheri Hallquist Drury. Ty grew up in Stephenville, attending schools in Stephenville, graduating in the class of 2010 from Stephenville High School. He went on to Tarleton State receiving his bachelor’s degree in 2014, and attended Baylor Law School, graduating in 2018, and recently accepted a position with Simpson, Simpson & Penepacker Law Firm in Bridgeport. At Tarleton State, Ty was on the Meat Judging Team, and in 2014 received the Distinguished Graduate award from the Animal Industries department. At Baylor Law, Ty served on 2 AAJ mock trial teams that went on to Nationals. Ty attended Timber Ridge Church and has lived in Stephenville his entire 28 years. On Memorial Day, May 27, 2019, Ty asked the love of his life, McKenna Skidmore, to become his wife, a partner in life.
Ty is survived by his parents, James and Sheri Drury; brother, Zane Drury; fiancé, McKenna Skidmore; grandparents, C. R. and Ginny Hallquist of Lipan; and several cousins. The Drury family wishes to thank Jim and Gail Elliot, and the law firm of Coan and Elliott for all the support and guidance while Ty was working on his degree from Baylor Law. The Drury family also wishes expressions of sympathy be made in the form of donations to Baylor Law in Waco.