Donald Jenkins

Donald Ray Jenkins, of Paola, Kansas, passed away October 26, 2011 at Olathe Medical Center. Don was born October 6, 1949 in Paola, Kansas to Ralph Ray and Loretta Warf Jenkins. He graduated from Fontana High School in 1967. Don served in Vietnam for 13 months with the U.S. Army and received the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He began learning auto body repair from his dad while growing up and spent more than 40 years working at several shops in the Kansas City and Miami County areas. Don and Marilyn Miller Newson were married on June 1, 1993 in Miami, Oklahoma. "Jenks" loved riding his horses, especially Cody, camping with his friends, and sitting around the campfire telling jokes and cowboy poetry. He was known for being a prankster but most of all for his love of all children. He was preceded in death by his mother and brother Mike Jenkins. Don is survived by his father Ray Jenkins, Richmond, KS; wife Marilyn, of the home; daughter Lisa Johnson, Mexico, MO; step-daughter Lori Newson, Miles City, MT; step-sons Mike Newson, Paola, KS, Steve Newson, Olathe, KS, and Matt Newson, Linwood, KS; 13 grandchildren, including his side kick Lucas; 5 great grandchildren; sister Sandra Holbert, Ottawa, KS; brother Jim Jenkins, LaCygne, KS; sister-in-law Rita Jenkins, Okemah, OK; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Legion Riders of Louisburg Post 250 or Miami County Cancer Foundation.