Edward Joseph Jenkins

Born on September 16, 1930, in Shawnee, Kansas, he lived a life that left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His journey from a humble farm in Kansas to a prominent position in Los Angeles is a testament to his remarkable achievements.

Ed’s life began on a small farm, where he grew up helping his father with the tasks of planting and harvesting crops. Driving his father’s John Deere tractor was one of his greatest joys. At the age of eighteen, he embarked on a new chapter in his life by working at a small grocery store. There, he met his future wife, who visited the store twice a week just to see him. Soon, Ed realized that she was the love of his life, and they were married on August 20, 1952. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and happiness.

Ed’s life was not without its challenges. He was preceded by his wife, Marilyn Sue, his son, Michael Dennis Jenkins, who tragically passed away in 1976 after being struck by lightning. He was also deeply saddened by the loss of his grandson, Ian Winter, who passed away on May 18th 2025. Despite these hardships, Ed’s spirit remained unbroken. He continued to work hard and contribute to his community, leaving a lasting legacy as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Ed’s life is a reminder that we never know how much time we will be given. We should cherish every moment and make the most of our lives, regardless of our circumstances. Ed’s life is a testament to the fact that even in the face of adversity, we can overcome challenges and achieve greatness.

Ed was drafted into the Army and completed basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He was eventually assigned to the U.S. Army 45th Division 158th Field Artillery Battalion at Fort Riley, Virginia. The journey to Korea took 34 days on a ship, passing through the Panama Canal, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Japan, and finally arriving in South Korea. Ed was assigned to the Front Lines Forward Observer Army 179th Infantry. On duty, he kept a lookout through a BC scope inside a sandbag-covered hut, avoiding detection. Off duty, he wrote letters to his wife back home. After three months on the front lines, Ed was promoted to staff sergeant. Armistice Day, July 27, 1953, was a significant day for him, as it marked the signing of the armistice, making it one of the happiest days of his life. He served on the front lines from January 5, 1953, to August 2, 1953, before being discharged on January 25, 1954. During his service, Ed received several awards, including the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and a Bronze Star.

After the war, Ed returned to his previous job at the paper cup factory and obtained his A&P license, which allowed him to work at TWA Airlines in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1957. He later transferred to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as a mechanic and was promoted to Supervisor of Maintenance, serving as the foreman for fourteen years. During his fourteen years at TWA, Ed held two jobs simultaneously. His other job was with Guy Hocker Realty. His work schedule was divided between the two jobs, with eight hours each day for each job.

Ed, driven by a relentless pursuit of success, maintained this rigorous discipline throughout his younger years. Inspired by his own journey, he fell in love with the real estate business. His wife, Sue, supported him wholeheartedly, holding open houses every Sunday for an impressive ten years. Their dedication paid off, as they consistently won the million-dollar award. Ed’s success surpassed that of full-time agents, and he often extended financial assistance to those in need by providing part of the down payment. His unwavering goal was to ensure that all his children would own a home. In 1980, Ed embarked on his own journey by establishing his own Real Estate and Property Management Company. His passion for the real estate business kept him going, preventing him from retiring. The business had transformed his life from humble beginnings to a comfortable life that had become extraordinary, not only for his family but also for countless lives he touched along the way.

May he rest in peace.

The Funeral Mass and Luncheon for Edward will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM at American Martyrs Church, 1431 Deegan Pl, Manhattan Beach, California. Following will be the Committal Service from at 2:00 PM at Pacific Crest Cemetery, 2701 182nd St., Redondo Beach, California, where Military Honors will be rendered.