Ralph Franklin Jenkins, 88, of Washington, passed away at 9 p.m., Thursday, October 14, 2010 at his home with his family by his side.
Ralph was born on October 21, 1921 in Morgan County, Missouri to Frank and Martha Ann Waisner Jenkins. He married Mildred Martschinsky in Piggott, Arkansas on January 20, 1951. Mildred survives.
Also surviving are three daughters, Cynthia Jenkins of LaSalle, Debora Walker of Washington and Barbara (Don “Jake”) Eichelberger of Colorado Springs, CO; three sons, Ronald Jenkins and Brian (Julie) Jenkins, both of Washington and Larry (Janet) Jenkins of Vista, CA; one sister, Olive Croy of Versailles, MO; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by three brothers and three sisters.
He retired in 1983 after working 28 years for Caterpillar. At the time he retired he was Plant Engineer at the Morton Parts Facility, prior to that he had also worked at the Decatur plant.
A veteran of World War II, Ralph served for five years in the Army as a Medical Corpsman.
Ralph earned a bachelors degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri, graduating in 1949.
Ralph was a member of Evangelical United Methodist Church in Washington, where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, October 19 with Pastor John Hauck officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service.
Memorials may be made to his church.