David D. Jenkins

David D. Jenkins, 78, of Waymart, died suddenly of natural causes on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at home. His loving wife, the former Patricia A. Christ, survives him.

Born in Waymart on February 9, 1948, he was the son of the late Duane G. and Marian (Keast) Jenkins.

Dave was a lifelong member of the Waymart Presbyterian Church. He graduated from Waymart High School in 1966. He later attended Penn State University at the Scranton Campus and earned an Associates Degree in Engineering for Drafting and Design Technology, graduating in 1968.

For 47 years, Dave experienced the thrill of being behind the wheel of a race car. Racing was his life's passion. Dave instilled his love of racing and cars in his children's lives. Fondly known as Gentleman Dave or the Waymart Warrior, he was well known and respected in his community.

Dave loved his family more than anything. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren; they will forever remember him as their hero. Dave's legacy will live on in the lives of those who were blessed to know him.

In addition to his wife, Patricia, he is also survived by four children: Peggy Shaffer and her husband Jeff of Jefferson Township, Jennifer Benke and her husband Russell of Scranton, David Jenkins and his fiancé Amanda Crown of Waymart, and Billy Jenkins and his wife Melissa of Waymart; a sister, Cathy Gillette and her husband Ray of Mount Cobb; 9 grandchildren: Nikki, Steven, Missy, Katie, Jessie, Russell, Ashley, Colton, and Konnor; 8 great-grandchildren: Emmett, Kara, Lyle, Vinny, Declan, Rowan, Grace, and Riley.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 12:30 PM in The Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners.  Everyone is invited to meet directly at the cemetery on Saturday. 

The Funeral Service will follow on Saturday afternoon at 2:30 PM at The Waymart Church, 596 Honesdale Road, Waymart, PA with a time of fellowship immediately following in the church. 

There will be a viewing on Friday, March 27, 2026 from 4-7 PM at The Waymart Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David's memory to Waymart Presbyterian Church, 200 Belmont Street, PO Box 323, Waymart, PA 18472 or The Waymart Church, 596 Honesdale Road, Waymart, PA 18472.

Interment will be in The Waymart Cemetery at Canaan Corners, Owego Turnpike.

Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472.