Robert Leon Jenkins

Robert Leon Jenkins

Squires, Missouri

Robert Jenkins, 75 years, 9 months, and 9 days, passed peacefully on September 18, 2025, at Cox South Medical Center in Springfield, Missouri.

Born December 9, 1949, in Ava, Missouri, to Loran D and Alveretta (Clemens) Jenkins, Robert graduated from Ava High School in 1967 and soon after attended Missouri S&T in Rolla.

On June 27, 1969, Robert was united in marriage to Joyce Hedrick in Ava, Missouri. Together, they shared 56 years of devotion, raising two beloved daughters, Jolee and Lacey.

Robert worked as a Robotics Technician with Hutchen's Industries in Mansfield, Missouri, for 22 years. Alongside his career, he and Joyce faithfully tended their dairy farm for 37 years, and continued managing a beef farm to this day.

A devoted Christian man, Robert worshiped at the Ava Church of Christ for more than 50 years, serving many of those latter years as an elder. He also gave of himself in service to his community in many other ways like through the Squires Fire Department.

Robert had a gift for making others feel loved through simple joys. He delighted in preparing meals from scratch, with his Thanksgiving rolls (among other treats) holding a special place in the hearts of his family and friends. He found peace in fishing, in gathering walnuts with his loved family, and in the steady hum of a tractor ride with a grandchild perched on his knee.

Known affectionately as "Papa Bob," his words were always thoughtful, carefully chosen, and deeply felt. He has left his family with a legacy to uphold, of showing unconditional love.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Joyce; his daughters and their spouses, Jolee and Shaun Jordan, and Lacey and Michael Axsom; two grandchildren, Davis and Leona Axsom; five siblings, Sherman Jenkins, Marlin Jenkins, Dave Jenkins, Elizabeth Young, and Darrell Jenkins; along with extended family and countless friends who will cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held Monday, September 22, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, Missouri, with burial following in the Jenkins Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, September 21, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. Officiating will be Shaun Jordan and Kendall Keith.