Delbert Eugene Jenks

Delbert Eugene Jenks Dowling Delbert Eugene Jenks, passed on to the next world in his home on April 4, 2009. He was age 82, and his impact in this world can only be described as humble and inspiring. Delbert was born on December 3, 1926 to Elmer and Estelle (Neff) Jenks, he has now followed his three brothers, four sisters, his parents, and his wife of 44 years, Mary Jane (McCarty) Jenks. His sister Halcion Walker lives in Bad Axe, MI. He was raised mostly by his father in Marshall, MI after his mother was killed in an auto accident when he was just three years old. He joined the Navy directly after graduating high school, where he served two tours of duty near the end of World War II. He worked at Kellogg's his entire career, making sure to provide the best for his children: Jon, Bonnie Stanley, and Frank. He was a loving grandfather to six grandchildren: Lauren, Rachel, Matthew, Sarah, Colin, and Terese, and a wonderful uncle to several nieces and nephews. Delbert loved sports, especially the Detroit Tigers. He made it a point to make a family trip or two most every year until recently. He saw a triple play at Tiger Stadium, Denny McClain win his 30th game, and the final game of the World Series in 1984! Oh, he loved baseball. He coached little league many years in Banfield. He played church softball into his sixties. In his day, he could knock down the pins ... and there's a bowling trophy collection to prove it. He liked to be outside and work in the yard and garden and pool. He almost never took medications, always choosing to tough-it-out. He missed Mary Jane terribly since her passing, and found it harder and harder to find the motivation to get out. But he didn't pass away sad, because of God's love shone him through many people, lead by Pastor Patti Harpole and a fine Pennock Home Hospice team. He was a nice man. An honest man. And he will be missed. Please join his family for visitation Wednesday, April 8th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home in Delton. A funeral service and celebration of Delbert's life will be Thursday, April 9, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at his church, the Country Chapel United Methodist Church, in Dowling. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to Pennock Home Hospice or Country Chapel to support their ministry.