Glendel Owen Jenkins

Sept 12, 1930 - Nov 28, 2021

Glendel Jenkins – devoted husband and father, brother, son, uncle, grandpa, musician, storyteller, and loyal friend – passed away peacefully with his daughters at his side on Nov 28th, 2021.

Glendel, known as Glen to his friends, was born Sept 12, 1930, in Byron, Arkansas.

He is survived by his sister Wanda Jenkins, 94, daughters Carolyn Durham and Stephanie (Tim) Hammack, grandchildren Aaron and Derek Winningham, Traci (Joshua) Allen, Molly (Micah) Johnson, Carrie and Amy Hammack; great-grandchildren Lyric (Fade) Dew, Jayvon Holloway-Allen, Adam and Charlotte Allen and many beloved nephews and nieces. He also leaves a host of friends and fans that he enjoyed entertaining.

He is preceded in death by his wife Esther "Tootie" (Blakey) Jenkins, daughter Terri Winningham, twin sister, Glenda Jenkins shortly after birth; siblings Thelmarie Franks, Vonda Mallon, Ione Jenkins, and Bob Jenkins and parents Joe Jenkins and Allie (Lawrence) Jenkins and a great granddaughter Harper Allen.

Glen grew up in Viola, Arkansas. He was 13 when he received his first guitar and began his love of music. He moved to Kansas City his senior year and attended Northeast High School.

He joined the army and served in the Korean War. He was a communications sergeant and was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery.

October 29th, 1955 he married Esther "Tootie" (Blakey) Jenkins, after meeting her at the Valomilk Candy Factory in Kansas City. They lived in the Kansas City area until 1971 when they moved to Lawson, Missouri. He enjoyed raising livestock, gardening and fishing.

Glen was employed by Farmland Industries in North Kansas City. He was the Fleet Purchasing Manager until he retired in 1991.

He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge in Lathrop, Missouri and before that he was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Lawson Missouri.

Glen was extraordinarily devoted to his family. He cared for his wife Tootie through her long battle with Alzheimer's. Even after she was no longer able to be at home, he moved to Excelsior Springs so he could be near her and still stay involved in her caregiving.

Glen's faithful devotion also extended to his daughter Terri during her battle with cancer. Additionally, he was the caregiver for his sister Wanda until the day he passed.

Glen found a second career in music. He began playing music, both guitar and mandolin, for special events in the nursing home where his parents lived. From there, his beloved band, The Country Music Makers was formed. They performed in community centers, churches, festivals and many other events. Their bluegrass gospel style music has encouraged countless numbers of people for over 20 years. The Country Music Makers continue to play today, although the sound of that mandolin will be greatly missed.

Glen was overjoyed with visits from his family and friends. He was telling stories and jokes up until the day before he passed. His sense of humor, quick wit and endless stories have brought laughter and endless joy to so many.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 4th, with a visitation starting at 10 AM, and services beginning at 11 AM, followed by a graveside service at Floral Hills Cemetery at 1:30 PM. The family would kindly request that everyone please wear a mask.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Kansas City Fisher House VA:

Fisher House Kansas City

4801 Linwood Boulevard

Kansas City, MO, 64128

Or online at www.kcfisherhouse.org

You may also contribute by purchasing items on their Amazon wish list here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/W6MXS3DO8RPM/ref=nav_wishlist_lists_2?_encoding=UTF8&type=wishlist

The family would kindly request that everyone please wear a mask.