Robert Leroy "Bob" JENKINS

1945 - 2019

JENKINS, Robert Leroy "Bob" (Age 73) Robert "Bob" Leroy Jenkins Jr. reunited with his wife of almost 25 years on January 4th 2019, while surrounded by family. Bob was born in Shreveport, Louisiana on June 10th, 1945 to parents Robert Leroy Jenkins Sr. and Geraldine (Smith) Knapp. Bob's mother and father relocated to Tonawanda, New York where he graduated from Tonawanda High School in 1963. After high school he enlisted and served our great nation proudly in the USAF, despite being offered a Regents Scholarship for a graduate or undergraduate degree to the university of his choice in New York State. Bob fathered six daughters Denise (Dave) Jarman, Karen Jenkins, Debbie (Brandon) Williams, Kristi (Bud) Bittner, Megan (Britton) Deal, Bobbi (Austin) Laughery, and adopted another daughter Lilibeth (Stephen) Breen. He also lovingly grandfathered 16 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. After dedicating his life to serving others, and retiring as CMSgt from the military after 27 years of service; he returned to college where he graduated from Spokane Falls Community College in 1992 and Eastern Washington University in 1994, earning his Business Administration Degree. Not long after his retirement from the military, Bob was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis; but persevered running his own accounting office until his hand could no longer operate a calculator. Before Bob's diagnosis, he was an active swimmer, hunter, runner, and skier. He loved anything outdoors, and lived for music. His children have fond memories of him dancing around the house while he blasted CCR, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson and so many others. Bob is survived by his loving daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren; his step brothers Chris and Scott Knapp and step father Darwin "Skip" Knapp. He is preceded in death by the love of his life, Brenda (Ritter) Jenkins, mother Geraldine (Smith) Knapp, father Robert Jenkins Sr, brothers Michael and Ronald Jenkins, and beloved Gram. Every friend and family member will miss Bob. He had a tenacity for living, surviving and making the best of the life he was given. He had a love for Jesus Christ, Gonzaga Men's Basketball, and trying to make those he loved laugh. We will all miss his infectious laugh, sense of humor and wonderful smile; but most of all we will miss how he showed his family and friends so much love. We have all learned so many valuable lessons from Bob: Never give up, appreciate all you have, help others who struggle, be a good friend, and love unconditionally. Your legacy will live on in your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are so proud to be part of your family and will miss you until we meet again. We Love You Dad A Celebration of Bob's Life will be held on Sunday, January 13th, 2019 at 2:00pm at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church located at 6122 Hwy 291, Nine Mile Falls, WA. A reception will be held immediately following the service. In honor of Bob we are requesting that attendees wear Gonzaga Basketball themed or inspired clothing.