Elmer Blackburn Jenkins, Jr.

Elmer Blackburn Jenkins, Jr. died at the age of 85 on Saturday, January 11, 2014 in Richardson, TX. He was born on July 30, 1928 in St. Joseph, MO to Elmer Blackburn Jenkins, Sr. and Straussie Jenkins Walters. Elmer graduated from Benton High School in St. Joseph, MO in 1946 and married Carole Speer Jenkins on December 3, 1948. He then served multiple tours in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard of the United States until 1956 when he was Honorably Discharged. Elmer subsequently relocated his family to Tyler, TX and later to Richardson, TX during their 65 years of marriage. Elmer is survived by her daughter, Susan Jenkins McCain of Dallas, TX, who is married to Richard Barto McCain, and his two grandchildren, Marc and Laney McCain. He is also survived by his Sister-in-Laws, Janet Speer and Charlotte Dewey Jenkins, both of Dallas, TX; his nephews, Paris Jenkins of St. Joseph, MO and Dennis Dilla of Dallas, TX; and, his niece, Tanama Dawn Ernst of McKinney, TX. Elmer was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Carole, their son, Robert Leroy Jenkins and his brother, Marion Robert Jenkins.

Elmer lived in Richardson until his death and, like his wife, Carole, spent most of his post military career in Banking. He was a highly respected Senior Credit Officer that became known for his honest and incredibly fair dealings with his many customers, who invariably followed him from bank to bank. In addition to his career, he spent his life loving and serving his family but suffered the tragic loss of his and Carole’s son, Bobby, at an early age. God saw their anguish and later blessed them with two wonderful grandchildren, Marc and Laney, whom they absolutely revered. Elmer exemplified what being a grandfather is about, spending every possible moment with his ‘Bubba’ and ‘Laner’.

When looking back at Elmer’s life, he leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love for his ‘bride’, Carole, and for his family. It’s clear that his ability to love was imparted on his daughter, Susan. In addition, Elmer was generous to a fault, providing support and aid to so many that didn’t ask but were in need. He had an incredible ability to sense those needs and took unilateral action help however he could. Also, as his many friends will agree, Elmer was very quick witted which contributed to his wicked sense of humor, which he routinely used at his Son-in-Law’s expense, especially when he first began dating Susan. Lastly, Elmer had such a soft heart when it came to animals, particularly those that were in need. Like his family, he loved his dogs, Casey, Alex, Missy and so many more than can be mentioned here or even remembered. All said, Elmer enjoyed a wonderful life and was so very much loved by everyone. While he could be stubborn at times (or so says his Son-in-law), there was never any question that he was a good man who would always do the right thing even when it was the more difficult path, and that’s a wonderful legacy.

Visitation will be held for friends at Sparkman Funeral Home at 1029 S. Greenville Ave in Richardson, TX on Wednesday, January 15th from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Services will be held at Sparkman Funeral Home on Thursday, January 16th at 11:00 AM, officiated by Richard Evans. Internment will follow at a future date at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX, where he will be reunited with Carole. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project or the SPCA of Texas.