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In Memory Of
Richard Alan Jenkins
1957 2018

Richard Alan Jenkins

January 2, 1957 — September 13, 2018

Richard Alan Jenkins passed away Thursday, September 13, 2018 at the age of 61. He waged a powerful fight against numerous illness for the last 31 years and is now pain-free.

Rick was born on January 2, 1957 in Marion, Ohio to John W. Jenkins, Jr. and the late Linda S. (Weston) Jenkins. He was a member of Trinity Baptist Church while growing up in Marion. Rick loved sports and was involved in football, basketball and baseball while attending River Valley high school. He was a Cleveland sports fan and enjoyed watching the Indians' successes of the last 20+ years. While being a Browns fan, he agonized over the many failed last minute passes and punts with the rest of the fans. Rick was able to watch as the Browns broke their losing streak with the tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Working for Prudential Insurance from 1981 until 1987, Rick met his future wife, Becky. They were engaged in 1982 after a six-week courtship and married after a seven month engagement. Many said this marriage would never last. They celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary on August 28.

Rick and Becky were blessed by the birth of their daughter, Ellyse Marie, in 1984. Seven years after that, after another back surgery for Rick, they were surprised and blessed by the birth of their son, Tyler Alan, and three years later were blessed by, last but not least, Trevor James. The family was complete.

In 1987 while living in Dunwoody, Georgia, Rick suffered a back injury that led to 13 future spinal surgeries, not all being successful. He faced each new challenge with his usual sarcasm and humor which became the Jenkins trademark. Rick also had numerous illnesses through the years and his motto became, if it's rare or unusual, I'm your man. These illnesses left Rick unable to work and after moving back to Akron in 1990, he stayed home and raised the three children. They were raised with firm discipline, love and humor and it is evident in the adults they have become.

Rick could not have been more proud of Ellyse, Tyler, and Trevor and the paths they have chosen to follow. He was fortunate enough to see them become employed in fields where they are successful and happy.

Besides his mother, Rick was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marvin and Nina (Riley) Weston and John and Hazel Jenkins, Sr.; uncle Norman Weston, mother and father-in-law, Richard and Alberta (Luna) Lenke and other relatives.

Surviving Rick are his wife, Rebecca (Lenke), daughter Ellyse (Jenkins) Scott and grand fur babies, Molly and Layne; son Tyler and daughter-in-law Chelsea and grand fur baby, Bellatrix; son Trevor; father John W. Jenkins, Jr. and his wife Nancy; sister Karin (Jenkins) and her husband, Allen Black, nephew Charlie and niece Sydney; brother Mike and nephews Matthew and Cameron; aunts and uncles, Paul and Sandy Jenkins; Roxie (Jenkins) and Dick Kimes; Renee (Jenkins) and Dave Allen; Florence Weston; many cousins and their families; and in-laws, the Hamilton family, the Peters family, and Connie Lenke; and lifelong best friend, Mark "Mo" Miller.

The strength that Rick persevered with is a testament to who he was, and he instilled in his children that giving up is never an option. His absence will forever be felt by his family and friends, and he will be deeply missed. It is not goodbye, though, it is "See Ya!"

The Celebration of Rick Jenkins' life will be held on Saturday, November 10 from 1:00 - 4:00 at the Front Porch/South Street Ministries, 798 Grant Street.

It's a very fitting location as Rick and I met in the building at 486 Grant Street which housed The Prudential and celebrated our wedding reception at the German-American Club right next door. As we've come full circle, we'd like you to come share your memories of our beloved husband, father, and friend. Pastor Duane Crabbs will say a few words and help to make this a beautiful Celebration of Life.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard Alan Jenkins, please visit our flower store.

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