Joseph Chester Jenkins Sr.

Joseph Chester Jenkins, 78 years old, was born to Chester S Jenkins and Dorotha A Staggs in Lousiville, Kentucky on December 19, 1938. He passed on March 4, 2017 at Union Hospital surrounded by Family. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers (Danny Gene Jenkins, and Ronnie Jenkins). Joe has two brothers and three sisters Gary (Jean Anne) Jenkins, John Jenkins, Bonnie Harrison, Sharon Minar, and Alicia Corder).

He is survived by his wife of 59 wonderful years, Linda Jenkins. Linda and Joe had five children together: Tammy Jenkins Nease, Joseph Jenkins Jr., Randy Jenkins, Lori Jenkins (David) Gregory, and Nancy Jenkins (Kevin) Smith. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 29 more great grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

Joe and Linda would enjoy long Sunday drives together, researching their respective family histories, as well as watching Audie Murphy, John Wayne, and Gene Autry in timeless western classics. Linda had a knack for making his favorite foods which consisted of no bake cookies, homemade reeses cups, and most importantly milk shakes. He enjoyed showing horses and checkered giant rabbits with his children, as well as bowling and playing golf. He was a competitive bowler for many years at Vigo Bowl, Imperial lanes, and the Bowling Center in Terre Haute. He had three 800+ series, eighteen 300 games, and countless 700+ series for which his sons aspired to. He loved telling fish stories to his grandchildren and was known for his experience and expertise on the water. Thanks to Mann’s Bait Company he was never “skunked” on an outing.

Joe worked in construction for most of his life at family owned Paitson’s Roofing Company, his own Jenkins’ Construction Company, as well as Ivyhill Maintenance Department. He was a Journey Man Roofer and Carpenter for each respective Union. He also owned the Guppy at 7th and Hulman St. which was a Fish and Aquatics store for 15 Years. During this time he was also involved in 4H and was a judge for Aquatic Fish. Joe will be missed as a grandfather and a father but most of all as a husband. Linda and Joe’s 59 years of marriage are a testament to their commitment and love for each other.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 1 P.M. at Thomas Funeral Home with Pastor Gene Jeffers officiating. Interment will follow at Bethesda Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4 to 8 P.M. at the funeral home.