Robert D. Jenkins was born in Chanute, Kansas on March 12, 1929, the son of Winnie and Gerald Jenkins and the first of three children. The family lived in Humboldt and El Dorado, moving to Kansas City in 1943, where Bob attended Central High School. While in high school, he was very active in sports and student affairs. He was captain of the basketball team and was awarded a first team All-Star berth. He was a member of the track team and played baseball for Katz with the Ban Johnson League as an All-Star third baseman. President of his senior class, he was also President of the Lettermen's Club, and President of the Student Council.
Robert attended the University of Oklahoma for two years, then transferred to the University of Missouri-Rolla, where he earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1953. He was a registered engineer with membership in the National Society of Professional Engineers and Missouri Society of Professional Engineers. While at UMR, he lettered in basketball and track, completed ROTC training, and received a commission of second lieutenant. He was a member of
Tau Kappa Epsilon, a social fraternity, and Theta Tau, a national engineering fraternity.
Upon graduation from the University, Robert was employed by the State Highway Department of Illinois; until called to active duty in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He spent two years with the Army Corps of Engineers, one of which was served in Korea as a Company Commander of a Combat Engineer Unit. During this period of active duty he was promoted to the grade of first lieutenant. He remained active in the Army Reserve, retiring as a lieutenant colonel after 20 years' service.
Leaving active duty in 1955, he was employed by the Army Corps of Engineers in Kansas City, as a civilian, in the Design and Construction Branch. During three years of employment with the Corps, he became interested in the construction industry and left to accept a position with a local contracting firm. In 1961, he formed his own company, Jenkins and Associates, Inc., General Contractor and Engineers, of which he served as president until retirement.
Robert was a member of Country Club Masonic Lodge #656 of Kansas City, MO. He later joined Westport York Rite and served in several senior leadership roles including Grand Master of the State of Missouri from 1988-1989. He was a member of Scottish Rite, Ararat Shrine, Red Cross of Consantine, Knights of the York Cross of Honor Priory No.17, Knights Templar Eye Foundation and served as President of National Sojourners No.63.
Robert was a member of the following organizations: Tau Kappa Epsilon, Theta Tau, MSM-UMR - Alumni Association, American Society of Professional Engineers, Missouri Society of Professional Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, Republican Party, Country Club Lodge No. 656 A.F. & A. M., Westport Chapter No. 134 RAM, Council R & SM No. 38, Commandery No. 68 K.T., Missouri Association Past Commanders Knights Templar, Ararat AAONMS, The Scottish Rite Bodies, Broadway Area Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Reserve Officers Association, The Civil Affairs Association, Chancellor's Development Committee for the University of Missouri - Rolla, National Sojourners.
Robert and Betty Jenkins were married in 1977. They enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends and family, spending winters in Cancun Mexico, racing their horses and supporting the arts.
Robert was the father of two children, a daughter Patricia Champion and a son Richard Jenkins. Robert is survived by his wife Betty Jenkins, daughter Patricia Champion, son Richard Jenkins, sister JoAnn Langley, brother Bill Jenkins, grandson Aaron Champion and granddaughter Katherine Champion, step-daughter Tamara Farmer, step-son Tim Mackie and step-grandchildren Jennifer L. Leeper, Chad J. Grunder and Ryan Mackie.
The family has requested no flowers but donations may be made to the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, KS/MO animal shelters, Susan G. Komen affiliates in Kansas & Western Missouri, Kansas City Public Television, National Public Radio or any charity of choice.
