O.D. KENEMORE

1927-2004

An effective advocate for working people during a career that spanned more than 50 years, O.D. Kenemore may be best known in the labor movement for his fierce support of injured workers during his service on the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Initiated into Pipefitters Local 798 in 1950, Kenemore later joined other Pipefitters locals and then moved to the post of Business Manager for LU 390 from 1962 to 1990. Among his many roles during this period, Kenemore served as President of the Freeport Metal Trades Council, obtained the charter and became President of the Tidelands CLC, served as vice president and trustee of the Texas AFL-CIO, chaired the CETA program, chaired the Dislocated Workers’ Permanent Committee of the Private Industry Council, served as president of the Tideland Central Labor Council and was a member of the United Way board.

Kenemore was sworn in as an employee representative on the Texas Workers’ Compensation Commission in 1990, serving two terms, including times as Chair of the commission. Working with a law that was slanted toward employers and insurers, Kenemore, through exceptional knowledge of the system and force of will, made the best of the situation for working people. He was the person most responsible for maintaining the agency's integrity during a difficult period for injured workers in Texas.

Injured workers in Texas owe Kenemore a debt of gratitude for his work in the lion’s den.