Darrell Lee "Buzz" Jenkins

Darrell "Buzz" Lee Jenkins, 68, passed away on Thursday, November 13, 2025, after a short illness at Stormont Vail Health. He was born on Thursday, January 17, 1957, in Emporia, Kansas, the son of Lewis William Jenkins and Raymona Geneva Harriett Patterson Jenkins. Buzz grew up under the love and care of his aunt and uncle, Willard W. and Lucille Helm.
Darrell attended grades 1-3 at Parkdale Elementary, 4-6 at Clay Elementary School, Roosevelt Junior High School and graduated from Topeka High School in 1975. After high school graduation he attended Washburn University and was a member of the Judo Club. While in high school and at Washburn University he ran track. After high school he worked for a brief time at a neighborhood furniture store. After leaving the furniture store he started working for Hallmark Cards as a stock handler and then later trained as a machine operator. He held the position of machine operator until he retired with 30 years of service. During his 30 years at Hallmark, he never missed a day of work! Buzz learned the art of JUDO and later became a judo instructor at Central Park Recreation Center with his brother, Sam, and friend Mitchell Hawkins. He was a member of the Washburn Judo Club while attending Washburn.
Buzz was a voracious reader, an avid fisher, geologist, and was the leader of his East Topeka Neighborhood Watch.
Buzz was selfless. He had countless friends and never met a stranger. His faith in God was strong. His devotion to family and friends was unparalleled.
Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Raymona Jenkins, uncle and aunt, Willard and Lucille Helm, brothers, Delbert L. (Jenkie) Jenkins and Andre "Gabby" Jenkins and sister, Deirdre F. Jenkins Adams.
He leaves behind to celebrate his life his siblings, Cheryl Jenkins-Batiste, Lewis R. Jenkins both of Topeka, Kansas, Terria L. Jenkins of Kansas City, Missouri, Karla D. Jenkins, Kim O. Jenkins, Samuel W. Jenkins (Diane) all of Topeka, Kansas and Marva L. Murray (Randy) of Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great-nephews, cousins and host of friends and co-workers who loved him and will miss him.
Darrell was a man who touched so many, taught so many, mourned so many, but loved even more. His love will remain in our hearts forever.