William L. Jenkins

William L. Jenkins, age 97, of New Philadelphia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 30, 2021, while living in Swansboro, North Carolina.

Born on February 28, 1924 in Tippecanoe, Ohio, Bill was the son of the late Clarence and Marie (Billingsley) Jenkins.

Bill graduated from high school in Ashland, Ohio in 1942 and after graduation he began his service in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II.  He worked on radio equipment and also helped to assemble and maintain machine gun turrets on airplanes.  After the war, he went to several schools for East Ohio Gas Company where he worked for the next 37 years.

Bill was an active member of the New Philadelphia community.  He served as a councilman at-large and council president for New Philadelphia, was active in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, and was a life member of the American Legion and New Philadelphia Elks.  In retirement he enjoyed golfing.  He was very proud of his hole-in-one on August 18, 2004 at Willandale Golf Club.

On April 22, 1950, he married the love of his life, the late Margaret (Gibbs) Jenkins.  Together they enjoyed 60 years of marriage before her passing in May of 2010.  They enjoyed traveling together through Europe and Canada and Alaskan Cruises.  After retirement, they would winter in South Padre, Texas and for the last 15 years in coastal North Carolina.

He is survived by his children, Sally (David) Figowy of Cape Carteret, North Carolina and Jody (Greg) Martin of Erie, Michigan; grandchildren, Josh Jenkins, Abby (Patrick) Beattie, Hallie (Ian Struhar) Jenkins, Haley (Tyler) Daniels and Morgan Phalen; great-grandchildren, Anne Beattie, Jack Beattie, Jon Monday Phalen, Nokomus Daniels, Connor Comtois, and Even Kellar; a daughter-in-law, Pam Jenkins; numerous nieces and nephews; and good friend and neighbor Tom Tecco.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bill is preceded in death by his son, Jay Jenkins; a brother, Robert Jenkins; and sisters, Marilyn Miller and Darlene Jenkins.

The family will greet guests on Friday, June 3, 2022, from 1:00 PM – 1:45 PM in the chapel of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Rob Eller will lead a graveside service at Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia at 2:00 PM where the New Philadelphia VFW will provide military honors.

Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be directed to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 202 E. High Ave.,   New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.