Greer Jenkins

Greer Jenkins, 93, of Bolivar, died Friday, September 11, 2015 after a short illness. He was born February 22, 1922, in Dunnegan, the son of Harley and Bessie Greer Jenkins. Greer grew up on his family s farm in Dunnegan. As a teenager, he fell in love with Yuma Lee Trimble of Fair Play. They married on Mother s Day, May 10, 1942, and spent the next 73 years together. In the early years of their marriage, Greer served his country in the Air Force during World War II. They were stationed in Waycross, Georgia, in 1944 where their son, James Greer (Jim) Jenkins, was born. After the war, the young family moved to Kansas City, MO., where their daughter, Deborah Lynn (Debbie) Jenkins, was born in 1954. The family moved to Independence in 1960. In 1977, they lost their son Jim in a car accident. Greer spent most of his working life at General Motors Fairfax assembly plant in Kansas City, KS. A proud member of the United Auto Workers Union, he retired from GM in 1980 after 30 years of service. Greer took pride in his work and his ability to support his family. About 10 years after retiring, Greer and Yuma moved back to Polk County to be near family and their roots. They made many good friends in the Bolivar area and enjoyed many family gatherings. He participated for many years in monthly dinners with UAW retirees and served on the Dunnegan Cemetery Board for several years. Greer had four defining characteristics: he loved his family, both the one he grew up in and the one he and Yuma created; he loved fixing things; he loved helping others; and he loved telling stories about his family, fixing things and helping others. Anyone who knew Greer for any length of time heard and loved his stories, and were recipients of his love, help and kindness. Greer enjoyed his retirement years with Yuma. They travelled and visited friends and family, both living and dead (they sought out many cemeteries to find their resting places). In later years, Greer enjoyed staying home, keeping the house fixed up and working jigsaw puzzles. And he and Yuma had great fun playing chicken foot with Debbie and Peter during their frequent visits. Greer was preceded in death by his parents; son, James Greer Jenkins; brothers, Cecil Jenkins and Keith Jenkins; sisters, Ruth Nottingham, Rowena Mead, and Bonnelle Hammonds. He is survived by his wife Yuma; his daughter Deborah Jenkins and her husband Peter Brownlie of Kansas City, MO; his brother Lyle Jenkins and his wife Roberta; his sister-in-law Donna Jenkins; as well as many nieces and nephews and wonderful friends and neighbors. Visitation will be 10:00 - 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 15, 2015, at Murray Funeral Home in Bolivar, MO, followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. at Dunnegan Cemetery, Dunnegan, MO., with Rev. Kelley Cossins officiating. Pallbearers will be Danny Cowden, Deryll Jenkins, Mike Jenkins, Tommy Jenkins, Kent Mead and Jack Truitt. Friends and family may sign the guestbook and send online condolences at www.murrayfuneralhomes.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. PDF Printable Version

Greer Jenkins

February 22, 1922 - September 11, 2015