JENKINS, JACK H.
Jack H. “Red” Jenkins, 74, was called home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, June 4, 1997, in Columbia Medical Center.
Service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 7, in Johnson’s Funeral Home with Stanley Lockhart officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
Jack was born June 12, 1922, to Carl Mercer and Georgia Pearl Jenkins in Gorman, Texas, in Eastland County. They preceded him in death. He received his nickname “Red”‘ at a very early age and lived up to it all the rest of his life.
He loved growing up in West Texas with all of his family and friends. After his father’s death, he moved with his mother, sister and brothers to San Angelo, where he began his “career” in the grocery business delivering for Little Wizard Grocery on Main Street.
He attended San Angelo Schools, and graduated from San Angelo Central High School in 1941. He attended San Angelo College, but gave it up when he joined the U.S. Marines in the fall of 1941.
While in the service, Red became a rifle instructor, serving with the 4th Regiment of the 6th Division of the Marine Raiders.
After the war, Red went to work for Modern Way Food Store on Main Street. He married the love of his life, Viola Janca, on Feb. 11, 1950. Their home was always a meeting place for their beloved family and many friends. He continued to work for Modern Way for 27 years. He also managed stores in San Angelo for Buddies, Winn Dixie and Albertson’s, where he ended his 55 year calendar in the grocery business in 1988.
Red also took his civic responsibilities very seriously. His longtime affiliation with the West Texas Boys Ranch was a very special part of his life.
Red was also preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Lenz; and two brothers, Norman Jenkins and Bobby Jenkins.
He is survived by his wife, Viola Jenkins of the home; one daughter, Wanda Leah Holik and her husband, David, of Wall; two sons, Billy Jack Jenkins of San Angelo and Bruce Wayne Jenkins and his wife, Patti, of Midland; ten grandchildren, Erik, Simon and Adam Holik, all of Wall, Nicole Jenkins of Lubbock, Nathan Jenkins of Austin, Jessica and Chase Jenkins, both of Wall, Travis Jenkins and his wife, Linda, of Abilene, Natalie Jenkins of Lubbock and Alicia Jenkins of Midland; two great-grandchildren, Michael Ray and Justin Lee Jenkins, both of Abilene; and one brother, Raymond Jenkins and his wife, Ruth, of Midland. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be the grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Baker, Clarence Hartmann, Keith Knepp and Ron Bryant.
The family wishes to thank Consolidated Care Crew, especially Ron Bryant and Toni Compton. Also, Dr. Paul Buechel, Dr. Charles Dennis and Dr. James Berkshire.
Memorials or gifts may be sent to West Texas Boys Ranch or a favorite charity.