Mahlon Oliver Tenney, Sr.

Mahlon Oliver Tenney, Sr., age 89, of Unicoi, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. He was born in Beaumont, Texas to the late Mayno Augustus Tenney and Lilian Lipsky Tenney.

Captain Mahlon O. Tenney retired from the United States Air Force in 1977 after serving his country honorably for over twenty-one years. He was a Management Analysis Officer. During Captain Tenney’s military career he was awarded the following: Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Good Conduct Medal (Bronze Clasp with 2 Loops), and Air Force Good Conduct Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster.

After Mr. Tenney retired from the Air Force in 1977, he moved his family to Unicoi County where he began his civilian career working as a Manager at Texas Instruments. He left his employment at Texas Instruments and began working at Nuclear Fuel Services where he retired as a Records Manager after seven years of service.

Aviation was a lifelong passion of Mahlon’s. He became a licensed pilot at the age of sixteen. Mahlon was obsessed with radio-controlled airplanes for many years until he purchased his own plane. He passed his love of aviation on to his son, Romaine, who also became a licensed pilot. They enjoyed flying their plane together for many years.

Mahlon collected guns and he liked going to the shooting range to try them out. He had a green thumb and Mahlon loved growing a garden full of tomatoes and roses.

In addition to his parents, Mahlon was preceded in death by his wife of sixty-five years, Joan Beryl Charman Tenney, and one son, Nicholas Myron Tenney.

Mahlon leaves behind to cherish many wonderful memories, his three children: Mahlon “Mel” Tenney, Jr. of Johnson City, Romaine Tenney of Knoxville and Coralee Tenney Gilbert (Charles) of Unicoi; grandchildren: Charles Gilbert, II, Shaun Tenney, and Vanessa Webster; four great grandchildren: Arianna Webster, Shaun Tenney, Jr., Ariah Tenney and Baby Gilbert who is expected to arrive soon; one brother, Mayno Tenney; one sister, Muriel Tenney Gurney; his cat, Prickles; nieces and nephews also survive.

The Tenney family will receive friends on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Unicoi Funeral Home. Pastor Mark Simmons will officiate the 11:30 a.m. funeral service. Mr. Tenney’s committal will be held on Monday at 1:00 p.m. in the Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Site). Shaw Air Force Base will serve as pallbearers and render full military honors for Captain Mahlon O. Tenney. Those wishing to attend Mr. Tenney’s committal are asked to meet at the cemetery by 12:55 p.m.

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Tenney family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com. 

Unicoi Funeral Home, 4428 Unicoi Drive, Unicoi, is privileged to serve the Tenney family. (423) 743-1380

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