Albert Jenkins

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Albert Eugene Jenkins was born in Monett, Arkansas on October 9, 1930 to Bessie Thompson & Cypert Jenkins. Albert is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his brothers John and Hymen.

In his early life, Albert took every opportunity to learn. He and his brother John were known for their fiery red hair and matching personalities. Albert found joy in nature, fishing, hunting, and spending countless hours with his favorite Uncle Alonzo “Lonzo” Thompson. Albert welcomed his son Donald Jenkins in 1953.

He joined the Air Force in 1951, where he served in Crash Rescue and Recovery during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in August 1959.

In 1963 he married Carolyn Jenkins in Truman, Arkansas. They were excited to add daughters Lorie Adams and Julie Richey-Jenkins to their family. The family cherished time together tending animals, gardening, and weekending on Grand Lake, running trout lines and crappie fishing around their dock.

In 1965 Albert opened Four State Machinery Manufacturing Company, Inc., bringing cutting edge technology to the world of dry cleaning. He drafted his design on the back of a napkin and worked to bring the machine to life. Albert designed the J&T Washer Extractor - sold across the United States and internationally. Albert was excited to build Four State as a family business, and enjoyed working with his son Donald and daughter, Lorie, for many years. Throughout the length of the business Albert demonstrated his character by personally making the trips to service his machines, where he met many people who turned from business associates to friends.

Entrepreneurial from birth, one successful enterprise was not enough. His wife Carolyn often caught him deep in thought dreaming up his next venture. Albert was involved in a number of businesses including the beloved Frankie’s Bar B-Q in the mid-70’s. He dabbled in construction, real estate, aviation, and music.

A true auto enthusiast, he was an avid collector and admirer of fine cars and motorcycles. It was a lifelong dream to own a 1948 Lincoln V-12 Convertible, and when that dream was realized the car proudly and meticulously restored. He enjoyed sharing his love of cars with friends and family, having won dozens of awards for his enviable collection of cars and motorcycles. He took his love of automobiles to the sky in 1972, when he purchased his first aircraft used for both work and fun.

He was a committed lifelong member of the Freedom of Road Riders, (F.O.R.R), a motorcycle riders rights organization, lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and a well known Member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. Albert was an expert in cooking, agriculture, engineering, philosophy, and enjoying life.

Albert’s talents and interests provided endless opportunities. He was the first and only manufacturer to build a petroleum dry cleaning machine proper for sale in the State of California, earning him a letter of approval from then Governor of California and later President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. In the early 1980’s he took ownership of a beautiful pearl yellow 1940 4-cylinder, suicide clutch, Indian motorcycle from Billy Carter, brother of former President Jimmy Carter.

Albert lived a rich life, impossible to capture in words. He was the man everyone called when they need advice and all who knew him were better for it. As in life, Albert passed on his own terms - peacefully in the home he built, surrounded by loved ones, holding his soulmate’s hand.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carolyn, his son Donald Jenkins, his daughters Lorie Adams and Julie Richey-Jenkins, devoted grandchildren, endless nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

A funeral service has been scheduled for 2:00 pm Tuesday, April 1 at Mason-Woodard Chapel. The family will receive friends and visitors from 6:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, March 31 at Mason-Woodard.

Arrangements under the direction of Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory – Joplin, MO