Robert Jenkins Garrett

1944 - 2025

Robert Jenkins Garrett

October 6, 1944 - August 1, 2025

Weatherford, Texas - Robert Jenkins Garrett, or "Jenks" as he was known to most, passed away peacefully at home in Weatherford, Texas, on August 1, 2025, following a loving and prayerful week surrounded by his family and close friends, and bringing an end to his long and noble fight against cancer.

Jenks was born on October 6, 1944, in Orange, Texas. He enjoyed life outdoors as a Texas kid. He was forever molded by his childhood summers spent in Jayton, Texas with his Granny and Grandad where he rode his horse, soaked up the stories of the old cowboys at the Stamford Reunion, and got into all kinds of mischief. Even as a young boy, he was passionate about fast cars and racing. His grandad, always young at heart, encouraged this and built him his first "race car" out of old lawn mower parts. Jenks grew up primarily in Itasca, Texas, where he proudly wore No. 17 as the Wampus Cats' Quarterback (and the trombone player at halftime), and served as Class President in 1963. Jenks was fiercely loyal and protective of his three sisters, Betty, Trisha, and Lindy. This prepared him to be the best girl dad and grandad!

Jenks received his undergraduate degree in 1967 from the University of Texas in Austin. He served as the President of the McCombs College of Business Administration Council in 1966 and 1967; and was a member of the Student Union Faculty, Campus Affairs Committee, Amateur Radio Society, and a touch football team. While at UT, Jenks worked for Texas Senator J.P. Word, who inspired him to attend Baylor Law School. In his 1969 year at Baylor (during Vietnam), Jenks took time away from classes to serve in the Army Reserves.

Following his graduation from Baylor Law School in 1970, Jenks moved to Tarrant County and began his practice as a trial lawyer. In 1978, he became certified as a specialist in Personal Injury Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Over the decades, Jenks had a legendary career representing plaintiffs against manufacturers and distributors of tobacco, pharmaceuticals, vehicles, and other products, in addition to medical malpractice claims. He and his wife, Denise, ran the Law Office of Jenks Garrett together for nearly 40 years. Jenks served as President of the Arlington Bar Association and President of the Tarrant County Trial Lawyers Association. He was an active member of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), and the Texas Trial Lawyers Association (TTLA). In 2012, he was honored with the H.D. Wells Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award from the Tarrant County Bar Association.

Jenks was a faithful Christian who dedicated much of his time to the Methodist Church, including many years serving on the Board of Trustees in Granbury, Texas; teaching the Disciple Bible Study class and other Sunday school classes; and serving on the Board for the Methodist Mission Home. Jenks also served his community for many years through the Boys & Girls Club of Arlington.

On a personal level, Jenks had several passions and interests. He was a Hamm Radio operator (call sign K5YNZ) who collected many interesting pieces of equipment but, more importantly, many very special friends through this community over the years. Jenks also loved F1 car racing, having been an amateur race car driver in his younger days and having traveled around the world to enjoy the sport. Jenks was an avid, lifelong fan of Texas Longhorns Football who enjoyed being one of the first fans to arrive early in the morning for the Red River Rivalry. He also loved family gatherings and celebrations, especially the large annual party at Christmas. Jenks loved to travel and was blessed to visit a wide array of destinations in his lifetime. He made a point of enjoying a beverage at an Irish Pub in every city he could! And last, but certainly not least, Jenks loved mowing the ranch into park-like perfection on his John Deere tractor.

Jenks is survived by his wife (Denise Garrett), his daughters and son-in laws (Lisa and David Farhat, Amanda and Scott Taylor, and Kate Garrett), and his two granddaughters (Georgia Ree and Charlotte Ray Farhat). Jenks is also survived by his sisters and brother-in-law (Trisha Dumas, and Lindy and Stan Sewell) and many beloved nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his mother and father (Virginia and Wilson Garrett), and by sister and brother-in-law (Betty and Richard Vilven).

Services to honor Jenks's life will be held on August 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., at the Granbury First United Methodist Church, 301 Loop 567, Granbury, Texas 76048. A reception with light refreshments will follow immediately afterwards at the church.

One of Jenks's favorite Bible verses, which he often shared with a squeeze of the hand and a calming voice, is from John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to FUMC Granbury, https://pushpay.com/g/fumcgranbury.