Donald L. Jenkins

Donald L. Jenkins 82 passed away March 3, 2017 in the Morris County Hospital, Council Grove, KS.

Don was born on a farm south of Havensville, Kansas February 10, 1935 to William Thomas Jenkins and Fannie Lewelling Jenkins. His first six years of school were in two different one room country schools, he attended two years at Soldier Grade School, two years at Soldier High School, then transferred to Holton High School and graduated in 1953. Don was active in sports, FFA, and was elected as student body President his senior year. He attended Kansas State graduating in 1957 with a BS in animal husbandry. After graduation Don worked several months as an assistant Johnson County agriculture agent before returning to his first love, the family farm, near Soldier, Kansas.

Don earned a commission as second Lieutenant in the army reserve; he served until 1968 when he was honorably discharged as a Captain.

Don married Joyce Rawlins, they were later divorced. He married Peggy Slocum, who survives him.

Don was a believer in the farm cooperative system and served on the board of directors for Jackson Farmers Coop, in Holton, for over twenty years, and served fifteen years as board President. He served five years on the Jackson Heights School board, a past member of Lions Club and KLA. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Order of Eastern Star for over 50 years; he is a past Master of the Alta Vista and Latham Lodges.

Don was active in church and civic organizations, a member of the Simpson UMC, he also volunteered for the VOICES of the Wind People Pageant; Friends of Kaw Heritage and Symphony in the Flint Hills.

In 1982 Don sold his farmer/stockman operation. He went on to live his second dream of living in the Flint Hills. He was hired as ranch manager of two large Flint Hills ranches, Z Bar Cattle Co., Strong City, KS, and later Smith Stock Co. Latham, KS, until his retirement in 1996.

Don and Peg bought a small ranch in Morris County, where they continue to raise cattle, horses and be good neighbors.

Don is also survived by daughter, Jenifer (Kevin) Dutton, East Peoria, IL; sons, Scott Jenkins, Topeka and Shane (Nancy) Jenkins, Edmond, OK. Grandchildren; Matt, Amanda, Hayley, Hayden and Brandt.

Great Grandchildren; Adam and Emmy. A sister Dorothy Rice. Cousins, nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by a brother Lyle Jenkins.

Celebration of life service will be held Wednesday March 8, 2017 United Methodist Church 21 N Mission, Council Grove, KS at 11:00am, visitation at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Simpson United Methodist Church, Alta Vista, KS or VOICES of the Wind People Pageant Amphitheatre Fund.