Walter Dean Jenkins

Walter Dean Jenkins, 82, of Junction City died May 22, 2018 at Geary Community Hospital. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at St. Xavier Catholic Church with Fr. Gale Hammerschmidt officiating and burial will follow with full military honors at Kansas Veterans' Cemetery at Fort Riley, Manhattan, KS. Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2018 at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 203 N. Washington Street. The Rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been designated to the St. Xavier Catholic School and/or the Junction City Middle School Renaissance Program.

Walter was born April 26, 1936, Waverly, KS to Joseph W. and Klea (Tudor) Jenkins. He joined the Army January 27, 1955. He received the Good Conduct Medal (6th Award), Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), the Vietnam Service Medal w/2 Bronze Service Stars, Republic Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Republic Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/Palm and the Quilt of Valor. Some of his duty stations included Germany, France, Kentucky, North Carolina, Alabama and California. Walter and his family moved 17 times during his 20 years of service, he served two tours in Korea, one in Vietnam and in Desert Storm. He retired from the Army January 31, 1975 with the rank of SFC. Following his retirement from the Army, Walter then worked in Finance with Civil Service for 8 years.

In his younger years Walter enjoyed Bowling, Fishing, Square Dancing and Playing Cards. In his later years woodworking became his passion. Walter loved making clocks and crosses. He also made decorations for all occasions and momentos for others. The highlight of his carpentry career was passing on his trade and love of woodworking to his grandchildren. His family and grandchildren will greatly miss their Opa!

Walter married Rita H. (Wehner) June 19, 1957, Wildflecken, Germany. She survives of the home.

Walter is also survived by two children, Jimmy (Jody) Jenkins, M.D., and Judy (Troy) Sanner; four grandchildren, Cadin Sanner, Corbin Sanner and Creytin Sanner, Jordan Jenkins all of Junction City, KS; one sister, Nancy Hill of Wauseon, OH and one brother, Steve (Marlene) Jenkins of Burlington, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, John Jenkins, Tommy Jenkins and Randy Jenkins and one sister, Ann Green.

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