Ron was born December 13, 1940, in Marys Home, Missouri, and grew up in nearby Eldon, Missouri. He graduated Ames (IA) High School in 1960, and in 1961 enlisted in the United States Army, serving in Gelnhausen, West Germany, until 1963. After the service, Ron worked 40 years as an optician, retiring in 2006 after 25 years helping veterans at the Kansas City VA Medical Center.
Ron loved sports and time spent with family. He raced homing pigeons, was a fierce card player, and an intrepid mushroom hunter. He served as an elder and choir member at his church. He visited prisoners, wrote poetry, coached little league, and amused with his antics. He could say the most infuriating things. He was loved and will be missed.
Ronald Lee Jenkins was preceded in death by his parents, Garland Jenkins and Bonnie (Spalding) Jenkins; two sisters, Joyce Jenkins and Gaynelle (Jenkins) Moore; two brothers, Duane Jenkins and James Jenkins; and a son, Garland Jenkins. He is survived by his wife, Rosa Jean (Welch) Jenkins; two children, Ronald J. Jenkins and Loraine Jenkins; two grandchildren, Steven Goebel and Tyler Austin; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road in Gladstone, Missouri, 64119, on Friday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m. (with visitation beginning one hour earlier). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to GlenHaven Church, 4301 NE Vivion Road in Kansas City, Missouri.
