Kenneth Jenkins

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Kenneth R. Jenkins, age 90, of Duenweg, Missouri departed this life for a better one as an angel on June 15, 2022 at Freeman Hospital after a short illness.

Kenneth was born on December 17, 1931 in Joplin, Missouri to the late Hiram and Hazel (Hughes) Jenkins. He was a longtime area resident. Kenneth proudly served his country in the Korean War as a Medic. He then got his Bachelor’s Degree and worked as a chemist at the Atlas Powder Company until he retired. 

Kenneth obtained his pilot’s license and even had his own airplane where he would take the family out flying and go on short trips. Kenneth was a founding member of College Heights Christian Church and had a beautiful tenor voice that he contributed to their choir every Sunday. He was musical by nature and played the violin and even took organ lessons later in life to keep his music skills sharp. 

He was a member of College Height’s Primetimers Club and always helped to decorate for meetings. He loved to round dance and was a Hall of Fame member of the Tanglefooters Round Dance Club where you could find him gracefully leading his lifelong partner and wife around the floor. 

In his younger years he enjoyed traveling and took many cruises, a trip to Hawaii and several trips to Arizona to see his daughter, Michelle and son-in-law David. Kenneth looked forward to each spring so he could plant his garden in the back yard and had quite the green thumb. Family and neighbors
regularly enjoyed the fruits of his labor. He had a kind and gentle manner about him and was always ready with a smile and willingness to help out.

Kenneth married the love of his life, Billie Joan Jenkins (Arnce) on April 2, 1954 at the Atlas Christian Church and she survives. 

Survivors also include his two sons Michael Jenkins and wife Deb of Omaha, Nebraska and John Jenkins and wife Kim of Joplin, Missouri; two grandchildren, Amy Getz and husband Joe of Omaha, Nebraska and James Jenkins and wife Christie of Omaha, Nebraska; and two great grandchildren Harper and Declan.

In addition to his parents, Hiram and Hazel Jenkins, Kenneth is preceded in death by his brother
Delbert Jenkins and his beloved daughter Michelle Carpenter.

Visitation
Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Chapel

3701 E. 7th Street
Joplin, MO 64801

Service

Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 2:00pm
Mason-Woodard Mortuary and Chapel
3701 E. 7th Street
Joplin, MO 64801