Jeffrey Lynn Kimbrell

Jeff Kimbrell went to be with his parents, L.C. and May Dell, and his sister Bonnie in the Lord’s Kingdom on Tuesday, March 17, 2015.  Known as “Opa” to his 16 grandchildren, Jeff loved being a grandfather and his grandkids loved their Opa.  Jeff was also loved as a father by six children after he married Helen Kimbrell, the love of his life, in 1981.Born in Menard, TX on March 12, 1948, Jeff graduated from Permian High School in Odessa, TX.  Jeff then went on to serve his country as a Medical Specialist in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  After his honorable discharge from the military, Jeff began his career as a Safety Engineer while the oil business boomed during the seventies. For the past 10 years, Jeff served as Director of Transportation and Safety for J & W Services in Midland.  Jeff considered his co-workers at J & W part of his family and loved his career with them.Over their 34 years of marriage, Jeff and Helen watched their family mature and grow.  Jeff was the consummate husband to Helen and doted over her every day.  Jeff’s influence on the six children is immeasurable.  Bringing tough love to their lives and cherishing his role as a husband, father and Opa, Jeff created a foundation for his children to pursue successful lives of their own.  The most important thing to his kids though, was how Jeff loved their mother, and he did love their mother to the fullest extent of his being.  The toughest man this family knew was also the biggest hearted man in their lives.Over the past 10 years, Jeff became very active with the Midland Post of the American Legion.  Having served as Chaplain, Director of Finance and twice as Commander, Jeff’s influence on the direction of the Midland chapter is easily observed.  During this time, Jeff and Helen’s family of friends grew exponentially and these friends have meant so much to them.Jeff was preceded in death by his parents L.C. and May Dell Kimbrell and his sister, Bonnie Hodge.  Jeff is survived by his loving wife Helen, his brother Ted Kimbrell and wife Peggy of Sweetwater, TX, daughters Dana Smith of Odessa, TX and Pam Montgomery and husband Rick of Midland, TX, sons Todd Salisbury and wife Lori of Lewisville, TX, Jay Salisbury and wife Tracy of Arlington, TX, and John Salisbury.  Jeff is also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.The family wishes to express gratitude to the 7^th floor staff at Midland Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care of Jeff in his time of need, and to Home Hospice of Midland for their gentleness and caring.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Christ Church Midland, 5501 N. Midkiff Rd. Midland, TX 79705.  Inurnment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4616 N. Big Spring in Midland.In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jeff’s memory to Post 0019 of the American Legion, Attn: John Rinal at 501 Veterans Airpark Ln., Midland, TX 79705.  The American Legion will also host a dinner for family and friends at the location on Veterans Airpark Ln immediately following the inurnment.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com ,