Dad would often put karate in some of his conversations, which I didn't understand why.   I remember when Dad, and I would go to the flea market and take his parents with us and have a good time.    Other things I remember he taught me how to drive the lawn tractor.    Before he passed away, we reconciled.  I still miss you dad.

This was sent to me by Rosalind Collins, who is a member of Kathy's and my church:  "It was with regret I learned that Wanda's brother had passed.  I remember the fine-looking, very articulate young man who spoke at his father's funeral."   It shows what Alan was like, that someone who met him for a brief period 2 1/2 years ago had such a vivid memory of him. Thanks, Roz.

Alan was the best big brother a sister could ever have. He was never a bully, never put me down, never treated me unfairly. He just looked after me, encouraged me, made me laugh, and loved me. Until our heavenly reunion Alan, you will forever be in my heart.

Hi my name is Dee Wieninger and our families have been friends for about 25 years. Our boys became best buds in about the third grade. They are still best friends to this day and although Trevor visits in our home about 4-5 times a year I think Freddie has his own room at Trevor's.

When I think about Alan the first thought that comes to mind is karate!! He had a love for this art and he studied and practiced it often. Over these many years when we have had opportunities to get together I remember a few times that while visiting Alan began to go into his martial art formation. Suddenly, as if watching the movie Karate Kid, his arms would raise and a leg would begin to move in the direction he wanted his body to move. I'd find myself stepping out of the way and asking if  it "was something I said"!  Alan would begin spinning and beating the air with his hands and feet all while conversing and making small talk.

One day when the Jenkins family was visiting in our home Julie and Fred were chatting in the living room and Alan was chatting with me while I cooked in the kitchen. Suddenly, in true form, Alan went into Mr. Miyagi mode! Moving and spinning with arms and legs flailing I knew I was dead meat if I stepped into the wrong place at the wrong time!  I told Alan that if he didn't get out of my kitchen I was going to have to hurt him! Without missing a beat he poised himself next to me at the stove with one arm holding the other in that Arnold Schwarzenegger muscleman stance and said, "take your best shot." I laughed and said, Alan, I am not going to hit you! He egged me on and said, ah come on....and before he finished his sentence I hauled off and punched him! ????  He said go ahead hit me again; so I punched him again and the next thing I knew we were bopping around the kitchen, well he bopped-I staggered, with him turning and bobbing while I flailed like a girl on his tightened arms and back.  It was exhilarating!
THIS IS WHY PEOPLE TAKE KARATE, SOMETIMES YOU JUST HAVE TO HIT SOMETHING!!! 
I laughed so hard. I never thought hitting someone could be so much fun! 

I'm not sure exactly what Alan's point was in letting me flail on him. Maybe he was just being Mr. Tough guy, you know when guys say, "go ahead punch me as hard as you can" and they tighten their stomach muscles. (I had four brothers! I took him up on it!) I think it was more than that! Alan's training was an art form. He had it perfected and he knew when and how and why to use it! Maybe he wanted me to have a taste of what it was like to release some of life's pent up stress and frustration - that I didn't even know I had - with an opportunity to really hit something! But it was done in a way that was controlled, effective and not maliciously harmful.  It was the most exhilarating, thought provoking, conversation I ever had with my friend Alan Jenkins!

Well, Alan now I can't help but think of Jacob and how he wrested with God. Our God is amazing! The way you allowed me to go a round with you in my kitchen I do believe He just might allow you to go a few rounds with Him! I know it will be the greatest of any tournament you've ever known but I'm quite sure you will have met your match! 

We love you, Alan! We love you Julie, Trevor, Sarah and family!

I will always remember Alan for the courage he showed in sharing and defending his Christian faith, for the seriousness and dedication in which he approached his service as an Elder, and for the strength he demonstrated during his battle with cancer.  We will miss him dearly.

OBITUARY

Alan Robert Jenkins

13 February, 1951 – 11 November, 2014

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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