Michael Frederick Jenkins

Michael Frederick Jenkins was born to the late Frederick and Elizabeth Jenkins on December 10, 1944, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He passed from this life on April 28, 2026, at the age of 81. "Grace and Mercy."

He enlisted in the United States Army in September 1965 from Fort Wayne, Indiana and was stationed at Fort Bragg North Carolina until September 1967. He was ranked as an Sergeant serving in Elite Services, U.S. Army Special Forces, Green Beret, Airborne Paratrooper. He received many awards such National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Character of Service Medal. He was Honorably Discharged with distinction among the Army’s most elite forces. He also served in the Army Reserves until September of 1971. Mike worked at several factories after serving his country, before joining the Fort Wayne Police Department. He retired from (FWPD) as a Sergeant in 2005 after 33 1/2 years of service to the community.

He dedicated his life to Christ at an early age at the Turner Chapel AME Church. Later in life he became a member of the Community Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Mack Paige. In the years of his retirement, he joined the fellowship of Haven Missionary Christian Church pastored by Rev. Isiah Merriweather where he remained until God called him home.

Mike, as he was known by many, loved playing lead guitar, singing Quartet & The Blues'. He played for The Gospel Keys of Fort Wayne, Indiana; The Gospel Golden Tones, Out of Egypt, and The Male Chorus Plus One. He also loved Grilling, Karaoke and being the life of the family gatherings, playing and singing. For many years he would host his famous Labor Day Cookouts & Karaoke Gatherings where all family, neighbors and friends would attend.

He had a few other nicknames; his sister “Vi”, would call him "Jinxe", and he was known as "Jinx-o-links." His famous words were, "Have taste just in case", you had to know him to understand that!

In 2009, he rekindled his relationship with the love of his life, Miss. Cheryl Joann Jett, and on June 6, 2020, they were united in Holy matrimony.

He leaves to cherish many memories to his beloved wife, Cheryl Joann Jenkins; two daughters, Yvette (Vincent) Chapman and Veronica Craig; four sons, Stacy Jenkins, Tracy (Jennise) Jenkins, Michael (Brandi) Pamplin and Gary Pamplin Jr; a special son, Terry Griffin; his grandchildren, Ziedra Jenkins a.k.a. "Zeddy Mae", Jordan Jenkins, Taylor Jenkins, Landon Jenkins, Quentin (Tati) Pamplin, Jamar and Javontae Pamplin, Mykilah Pamplin, Michael Pamplin, Jr., and Landon Wade; two great-grandsons, Q’moni Pamplin and Carson M. Jenkins; four sisters, Viola (Mike) Robinson, Linda "Squeak" Causey, Marsha "Pumper" Tabron-White, Sharon (Reggie) Jordan; special brothers, Fred Rogers, Rev. Mack Paige; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mike was also preceded in death by a cousin/brothers, Eugene (Renita) Mable Jr., Keith Jenkins and Milton “Corky” Turner, as a brother, Johnny Evans, uncle/brother, Henry Childry Jr., aunts, Francis Roberson, Dorothy Mable, Mildred Storey, Aubrey Shears and a host of other family members and dear friends.

A Musical Visitation will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Southern Heights Baptist Church, 4001 S Anthony Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46806, followed by a Celebration of Life Funeral Service at 1:00 pm.

Burial will be in Covington Memorial Gardens, Monday, May 11, 2:00 PM with Honors.

Fond memories may be shared at www.mccombandsons.com for the family.