Ronald Lee Jenkins

Ronald Lee Jenkins, of Republic, MO, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on March 24, 2026, at Missouri Veterans Home in Mt. Vernon. Sam, as he was lovingly called, was 78 years old. He was born on October 15, 1947, in Huntingburg, Indiana, to Walter James and Jewell Katherine (Chappell) Jenkins and was one of seven children.

Sam graduated from East St. Louis High School in 1965 and went on to enlist in the US Navy, honorably serving his country for three and a half years, from 1965-1968, to include service in the Vietnam War. Sam was blessed with four children: Julie, Jeremy, Jennifer and Justin. Sam worked as a lineman with Amron U.E. for over 30 years until his retirement in 2007. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, fishing with his grandsons, shooting his muzzleloader, traveling and riding his motorcycle. He was a member of the Eldon Noble Eagles, was a former Commander of VFW Post 2442 also in Eldon, MO, as well as a member of The Patriot Guard Riders. In his later years, he tried his hand at golf and really enjoyed the time he spent on the golf course.

He is survived by his children: Julie Jenkins, Jeremy Jenkins, Jennifer Pledger and husband Daniel and Justin Jenkins and wife Kylee, grandchildren Tessa (Blake) Baum, Taylor Scott, Sam Pledger and Charlee, Jayse and Kayde Jenkins, siblings: James "Jim" Jenkins (Cindy), Terry Jenkins (Donna) and Debbie Hartnett (George) as well as other extended family and countless friends.

Sam is preceded in death by his parents, and three siblings: Tim, Marilyn and Brenda (who passed shortly after her birth).

In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association (alz.org) or to The Missouri Veterans Home (1600 S Hickory, Mt. Vernon, MO 65712). A Graveside service is scheduled for Friday, April 03, 2026, at 2:00 at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Springfield. Sam will be given his final ride of honor, with the Warrior Watch Riders, who will escort him to his final resting place at Missouri Veteran's Cemetery. The family would like to invite anyone who would like to join them in procession, with the Warrior Watch Riders, from Meadors Funeral Home in Republic, to Missouri Veterans Cemetery on April 3rd, to meet at Meadors Funeral Home (314 N Main, Republic) between 12:45 – 1:00 p.m. This will allow time to form a procession line and to be able to leave for the cemetery by 1:15 p.m. Sam's care has been entrusted to Meadors Funeral Home and permanent online condolences may be left at www.meadorsfuneralhome.com