Charles L. Jenkins

He is survived by his sons, David (Patricia) Jenkins, Larry (Kathy) Jenkins, four grandchildren, Alan (Jeannie), Craig, Lauren, Dana; and his beloved friend, Ruth Drescher. He was preceded in death by his wife of over 50 years, Marguerite.

Charles was born February 16, 1923, in Sharpes, Florida. He went to school in Cocoa, and spent his time growing up playing baseball, running track, and fishing on the Indian River.

He enlisted in the Navy, and served his country in both the European and Pacific campaigns during World War II. He reached the rank of Chief Petty Officer, responsible for taking soldiers, equipment, and supplies to the shores on an LST.

After the war, he returned to Florida, working at a Ford dealership in St. Petersburg, a linen service in Orlando, before settling in as a diesel mechanic at the Kennedy Space Center in the early days of the space program. He eventually worked for Pan American in several of the Bahama islands, working as a mechanic at the tracking stations for the Space program. Charles retired in 1988.

Charles was active in the FRA (Fleet Reserve Association), had been to Washington D.C. on the Honor Flight, and regularly attended monthly meetings and dinners with these two groups. He had served on the Cocoa City Council Senior Advisory committee, and was active in the neighborhood with several friends doing beautification projects such as installing sprinkler systems.

He was fond of his Sunday dinners and travels with Ruth. He also enjoyed his weekly poker game with his friends Jake, John, and James.

Visitation will be held starting at 10:00 a.m. Saturday 7-23-16 at the Life Event Center at Florida Memorial, 5950 South US Hwy 1, Rockledge. The service will follow at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will follow at Calvary Chapel in Merritt Island, 3500 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island.