John Jenkins

Johnny was preceded in death by Joyce Jenkins, his loving spouse of 65 years, who passed away in November. Johnny leaves to mourn his passing his children and their spouses. Sandy Summers Knox, Brenda & Don Garrett, Johnny & Barbara Jenkins, Jerry and Diane Jenkins. Grandchildren Jeramy & Liz Summers, Courtney & Brody Klefstad, Jamie & Jason Merillat, Chelsea & Seth Atwell, Kirby Jenkins & Jace & Jacob Jenkins. Great-grandchildren, Josh Merillat, Ryley Klefstad, Jordan Merillat, Brenlee Klefstad, Jackson & Luke Summers, his sister, Mary Wheat and nieces whom he loved as his own.

Johnny was born in Portsmouth, Ohio to John & Viola Jenkins and spent his youth in Ohio and Florida before settling in Houston. He proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Sarita in WWII and was a member of the greatest generation.

He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He was a member of Heights Presbyterian Church where he served in many capacities over the years. He was active in Heights Little League with his boys where he spent many hours “cleaning the fields” as he would say.

For many years, Joyce and Johnny delivered Meals on Wheels and even into their 70’s, they would say they delivered food to the “senior citizens”.

Johnny met Joyce in 1947 at the YWCA downtown and they married in 1948. They were a lively and active couple. Raising rowdy children, square dancing, bowling, and taking the kids on camping trips kept them very busy over the years.

Joyce and Johnny loved their little house at the bay and spent many happy hours there. Fishing, watching sunsets, and participating in Beach Cleanup were important parts of their life.

They shared a beautiful love story. Their devotion to each other was so rare. He called her, the love of his life . They were partners in life and with Mom’s passing, we realized what a struggle Dad was having just trying to make it from day to day. The twinkle in his eye died with her. Her passing left a void so deep in his heart that it could not be filled. He tried valiantly to go on but in the end he just could not face life without her.

Johnny loved his family deeply and showed it in the values he instilled in his children and the expectations he had for them. He was an honorable man and that is the way he lived his life. He believed in hard work, always doing the right thing and enjoying simple pleasures in life. He was a quiet, unassuming man with a big heart and few words. He entertained the grandchildren with stories of his youth. He loved gardening and watching the birds in the backyard. He was a voracious reader and checked out so many books at the Heights Library that he started putting his initials on the back page so he could remember if he read the book. Over the years he said he could not find too many books that he had not already read.

Mom and Dad are together again in Heaven where they will share in eternal life. Rest in Peace Dad – you have been a good and faithful Servant. You lived your life well and the memories of you will always be with us. We love you more!

Visitation will be at Heights Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 3, 2013 with services following at 12:00 in the Heights Chapel. A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Funeral Home and a reception will follow at Heights Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers and for those desiring, please make a contribution to the charity of your choice.