Bernie Harlan Jenkins

Bernie Jenkins, age 77, of Bolivar, Missouri, departed this life early Saturday morning, April 21, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri. Bernie Harlan Jenkins was born June 10, 1934 in Espanola, New Mexico, the son of Perry Jenkins and Georgia (Blevins) Jenkins. Bernies Aunt and Uncle, Bess Schuler and Irvin Schuler, raised him and his sister, Arliss, from a young age. Bernie enlisted in the United States Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He then earned his Bachelors in Business Administration and Zoology and went to work for the United States Forest Service. He retired from the United States Forest Service as Regional Director of Personnel, Region Nine. After retirement he spent more time casting a line as fishing was his passion -- he could never get enough of it. He also enjoyed cheering on his favorite football team, the Green Bay Packers, and watching basketball. He was known for his spectacular roses -- over one hundred rose bushes of various types. On days that did not permit outside play, Bernie enjoyed reading. Devoted husband, dad, brother and grandpa, Bernie was fiercely loyal and supportive of his family. His straight-forward, no nonsense type of communication meant that good or bad, you always knew where you stood with him. Most importantly and above all, Bernie knew and loved the Lord. He was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, and his aunt and uncle that raised him, Bess and Irvin Schuler. He is survived by his wife, Cathie Jenkins; daughter; Shelley Jenkins; son, Scott Jenkins and wife Jettie; twin daughters, Melanie Perry and husband John; and Holly Schafer and husband Craig; sister, Arliss Henderson; 10 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 5 nieces and 1 nephew. All of them will miss Bernie so very much and will forever benefit from his Christian example. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar, Missouri, with Reverend Billy Russell and Reverend Ray Leininger officiating. Burial will follow at the Eldon City Cemetery in Eldon, Missouri. Pallbearers will be Scott Jenkins, Josh Jenkins, Bryan Jenkins, Michael Jenkins, Nick Savana, and Jarrett Perry. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00pm on Friday afternoon just prior to service time at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 316 North Main, Bolivar, Missouri, 65613 or the Good Samaritans Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 617, Brighton, Missouri, 65617. Friends and family may sign the guestbook or leave private condolences at www.butlerfuneralhome.com PDF Printable Version

Bernie Harlan Jenkins

June 10, 1934 - April 21, 2012