Robert Jenkins

1922 - 2016

Robert R. (Jenks) Jenkins
1922-2016
Bob Jenkins, lovingly known by many as Jenks, age 93, died peacefully at home March 22, 2016, surrounded by loved ones. Jenks is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Marjorie (Margie) Jenkins and his 95 year old sister, Audrey Kemper; his children, Toby Gilbert and husband Joe, Richard (Rick) Jenkins and wife Dede, Susan Jenkins, and Robert (Bob) Jenkins and wife Nancy; his grandchildren, Amanda Howard, John Bean, Kacie Hendrickson, and Brodie Jenkins, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Born December 3, 1922, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jenks surprised everyone when he arrived twenty minutes after twin sister, Helen, and grew up across the Ohio River in Newport, Kentucky. Jenks attended Newport High School where he was an all-state football and basketball player. In 1941 he attended the University of Cincinnati on a football scholarship. Following graduation, he served as head of the Business Department at William Woods College, where he taught business law, economics, and accounting. Jenks and Margie, who also taught at William Woods College, were married in Southgate, Kentucky, in 1946. Encouraged by his bride, Jenks enrolled at Northwestern University to pursue a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Upon receiving his MBA, Jenks joined the Marketing Department of Continental Oil Company (Conoco) and the couple relocated to company headquarters in Ponca City, Oklahoma, beginning the first of their many cross-country moves at the company's behest. In his 37-year career at Conoco, Jenks went on to become Vice President of World Wide Marketing. After retiring from Conoco, Jenks was a successful real estate developer and investor. He also worked with his wife, Margie, in the publication of her books and collaborated on the many seminars they were invited to present around the country on the subject of her books. At age 90, Jenks had to finally give up tennis.
Jenks was an active member and elder at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church where he and Margie attended for over 48 years. He was a strong supporter of Newport High School Alumni Association; University of Houston, Graduate College of Social Work, and The Salvation Army.
He was guided by the Golden Rule and was a tremendously principled and honorable man who worked hard to do the right thing in all situations. Jenks never met a stranger. Always an encouraging, positive force, he changed many lives for the better. He will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to express deepest thanks to our wonderful friend and caregiver, Florentina Nunez, for her many loving acts of kindness and to Houston Hospice for their amazing end-of-life care.
In keeping with Jenks' bodacious spirit, consider wearing colorful attire for a joyful celebration of Jenks' life to be held Friday, May 13, 2016 at 2:00 PM, in the Chapel at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77024. The Memorial Service will be under the direction Rev. Dr. Alf Halvorson.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you remember Jenks by sharing an act of loving kindness to help make the world a little brighter, one person at a time.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in his honor may consider Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 11612 Memorial Drive Houston, TX 77024; the Marjorie L. and Robert R. Jenkins Scholarship Endowment, University Of Houston Graduate College Social Work, Connie Loyd, Director of Development, 3511 Cullen Blvd. #110HA, Houston, TX 77204-4013; Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030; Newport High School Scholarship Fund, c/o Jorine P. Combs, 3648 Tamber Ridge Drive, Independence, KY 41015 or The Salvation Army.