Robert Jenkins

On July 24, 2019 Robert Benjamin Jenkins "lovingly called Pops" of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife and one son by his side at the age of 77. He was born in Steelton, Pennsylvania on April 12, 1942, he was the eldest son of Robert Jenkins and Virginia Jenkins ( McIntosh) who preceded him in death. He was raised by his Aunt and Uncle. Robert was baptized and accepted Christ at an early age in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania at Mount Calvary Baptist Church. He was a faithful servant of God throughout his entire life. Robert was a graduate of Steelton Highspire High School in Steelton, Pennsylvania. He joined the U.S. Air Force and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War from 1963 to 1967, stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. He received the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and the Air Base Wing (AFLA) in 1966. Robert was nominated for the Certificate for Honorable Service in the United States Armed Forces and for Outstanding Service and Loyalty To The United States of America. Robert began his working career at the Chrysler Plant in Dayton, Ohio for several years. His next career move was spent working at Montgomery County Children's Services Board for twelve years in Dayton, Ohio as the Director of Support Operations. From there he went on to take a position at Central State College in Wilberforce, Ohio, as Director of Plant Operations for the school (where he also completed several years of course work) working for ServiceMaster before being transferred to Albion, Michigan. He continued working for ServiceMaster for another seven years, through the Albion Public Schools District. From there he took a position with the Charter of Canton Township, in Canton, Michigan as the Maintenance Foreman with ten years of service before his health declined. Throughout Robert's early years he played on the basketball team while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He also, later on, played on the Men's Fast-Pitch Softball League and his team won many first place trophies. He received an All American Men's Class A Fast-Pitch award in 1976 and was inducted into the Dayton Amateur Softball Hall of Fame Men's Fast-Pitch in 1989. Although Robert was a private man, he loved spending quality time with all of his grandchildren. He was very proud of his accomplishments of raising his sons and seeing them both grow up to become very successful men in their own right. He enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and attending occasional gatherings with his family. Listening to his "oldies" albums and his gospel albums gave him such serenity and peace in his soul. He loved him some BBQ ribs, fish, greens, cornbread and chitterlings! On July 16, 1983 Robert Benjamin was united in Holy Matrimony with Therese Renee Jenkins (Williams) in Dayton, Ohio. Two sons completed this union, Andrew Robert Jenkins and Renee's son, Jason Frederick Walker, who he raised as his own son. He didn't believe in stepchildren. Robert "Pops" leaves to cherish his memories, his loving, devoted wife and friend of 36 years of marriage, two sons: Andrew Robert Jenkins (Megan) of Battle Creek, Michigan and Jason Frederick Walker (Dionne) of Mableton, GA, Lester Williams Jr. of Xenia, Ohio, Dennis James Williams; Kathy Ann (Albert B.) Smith; Carolyn Nell (Ronald) Austin; Vanessa Clark-Jenkins (Angelica Rochelle Clark,) all of Dayton, Ohio. Six grandchildren: Josie Rae Jenkins and Jordy Ruth Jenkins of Battle Creek, Michigan, Nautica Simone Wright; Nyah N'Chelle Wright Walker; Javis Quan Okey Walker and Layla Nichole Okey, all of Dayton, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. We thank you Robert "Pops"/Dad/Papa Jenkins for all the wonderful memories, unconditional love and guidance you had shown all of us. You will be forever missed and always in our hearts. We all are better people because we had you in our lives. Special expressions of gratitude to Grace Hospice for their loving, compassionate care of Robert and his family. Interment will be held August 7, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Fort Custer National Cemetery in honor of Robert Benjamin Jenkins. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making donations to Hospice Care of South West Michigan. Arrangements by Richard A. Henry Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Robert may be placed at www.henryfuneralhome.org