COL. W. Hugh Jenkins

COL W Hugh Jenkins Jr (USArmy Ret) passed October 2, 2019, at home surrounded by his loving wife and his four children. Hugh is survived by his wife of 52 years Rita K Jenkins, his children W. Hugh Jenkins III, Traci M Jenkins, Melissa Jenkins-Fenderson, and Bryan E. Jenkins, six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one great, great-grandchild.

The only child of Zena Tanner and Willie Hugh Jenkins, Hugh started his life in Sandersville, Georgia and remained there until leaving to enter Georgia Military College “GMC” at the age of 17. From there, he won the prestigious college appointment to the United States Military Academy “West Point”, graduating in 1949. He went on to have a very distinguished career, proudly serving his country for 34 years through three wars WWII, Korea and Vietnam until retiring in 1975.

Hugh and Rita planted their roots in Yukon, Oklahoma, where they became foster parents to several children and he started his second career as a College Professor. Working at El Reno Junior College, he taught for 17 years until 1992, when he retired for the second time. Hugh was very devoted to the church throughout his life, serving as a Lay Leader and Treasurer for Good Shepherd United Methodist Church for many years. Hugh enjoyed singing in the choir at several of the churches he attended throughout the years. Hugh and Rita made a large circle of friends square dancing with the Grand Spinners for many years.

Hugh would start his third career in 1991 upon moving to the country and beginning WeeOkie Miniature Horse Farm (with a little nudge from his wife, Rita). Hugh may have grown up in a small farm town, but learning the ropes of running a horse farm was a new adventure for him and Rita. They learned together and had many years of breeding, showing, and delivering horses to horse enthusiasts worldwide.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society.