of Western Grove, AR
February 24, 1948 - November 5, 2017
Gary G. Jenkins, age 69, of Western Grove, Arkansas, passed away Sunday, November 5, 2017, at his home. He was born February 24, 1948, in Harrison, the son of Hodgen and Lola (Cone) Jenkins. Along with his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Jenkins; and his brother, Gene Jenkins.
Gary was a member of Everton Baptist Church where he was the church treasurer. He married Janell Edwards in May of 1998 in Harrison. He was a trooper with the Arkansas State Police Troop I for 36 years and had a full career. He was one of the troopers who worked the Greyhound Bus hijacking and standoff at Jasper, Arkansas and received a commendation for his work effort there. Gary enjoyed woodworking, newspaper crosswords, traveling and staying busy. He was always willing to help anyone.
Gary is survived by his wife, Janell Jenkins, of the home; his son and daughter-in-law, Nathan and Tracy Jenkins; his grandsons, Eric Vandegrift and Adam Vandegrift; his granddaughter, Jordan Vandegrift; his great-granddaughter, Kingslee Vandegrift; and a host of other family and friends.
Visitation was 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home.
Funeral service was 10:00 AM, Thursday, November 9, 2017, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Bill Ramsey officiating.
Pallbearers were Robert Meek, Jerry Watts, Rod Combs, Lyle Smith, Cliff Cottrell and Hansel Bradford.
Honorary pallbearers were all current and retired Arkansas State Police.
Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
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9 Condolence(s)
Steve Sutton
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Gary, Gary Watts, my brother Joe Sutton and I used to run around together back in the mid-sixties. We got into Dogpatch when it was under construction. Walking across the unfinished train trestle over the falls at night was not something we should have done! Gary was one of the good guys and will be missed!
Faledra Hudspeth
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
I am imagining your sitting at a table in Heaven, across from Chris, deep in a discussion about some oddities of the world, and drinking coffee with a big smile on your face. I will remember you fondly.
Karen Shelton
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
I grew up with Gary and graduated with him in 1966. I worked for the Prosecutor and the court for for 27 years and knew of Gary's work. He was a good man. Always had a smile on his face and was a joy to all who knew him. My condolences and prayers for all his family
Rhonda Laborde
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Anyone who knew Gary was blessed by him! May his loving memory bring the family comfort in days to come.
Steve Enderlin
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Prayers to Gary's family. I worked with him in the early 80's and Gary always had a smile on his face. RIP my friend.
Linda & Dwayne Smith
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Deepest Sympathy on the loss of your dad, Nathan. May he rest in peace and we thank him for his service to the citizens of the State of Arkansas.
Phillip Rackley
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
Gary, you've always been a great man - someone I admire and you will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to all of your family and friends.
Lila Nettell
Tuesday, November 7, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with you and I pray the love of God enfold you all during your journey in this sorrowful time.
Brice Smith
Monday, November 6, 2017
So sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of working with Gary in the early 80's when I was an ASP dispatcher in Troop I and all the years since as a Game Warden in Marion county. Gary was a great co-worker and brother but most of all Gary Jenkins was a good man and true friend. Gary helped pave the path for so many young troopers and LEO a like. He will be miss here on earth but we will meet again my friend. God's Speed Brother.