Mar 29, 2013

Leon H. Jenkins Jr., 89, of Brownsville, Centerville Borough, died Wednesday, March 27, 2013, in Senior LIFE, Uniontown.

He was born August 26, 1923, in Vestaburg, a son of the late Leon H. Sr. and Euphemia Murray Jenkins.

Mr. Jenkins was a 1943 graduate of Centerville High School.

He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, having served with Company B, 594th Engineering Boat and Shore Regiment. He was involved in every major amphibious landing of World War II. For his service, he was awarded the American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with three bronze service stars and bronze arrowhead and Philippine Liberation Ribbon.

For more than 30 years, he was employed as an insurance agent for Cincinnati Life Co., retiring in 1988.

Mr. Jenkins was a lifelong member of Taylor United Methodist Church. A 40-year member of the BCR Lions Club, he served as past president and was a Melvin Jones Fellow and the last surviving charter member. He was a life member of Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705 of Centerville, where he was a former post commander and former post chaplain, and was formerly a District 25 sergeant of arms. He was a member of National Pike Steam, Gas and Horse Association, where he served as announcer for many events and especially enjoyed announcing for the Pedal Power Tractor Pull.

Fishing, hunting, playing golf and shelling black walnuts brought him much enjoyment.

On December 8, 1946, he married Nettie M. Williams Jenkins, who survives.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two children, Harry Thomas Jenkins (Sue) of Centerville and Betty Ritzer (Anthony) of Charleroi; three grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, John M. “Jack” Jenkins (Darlene) and William Laughner; and several and nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, Earl and Robert Jenkins.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday and 10 to 11 a.m., the time of service, Tuesday, April 2, in John B. Greenlee Funeral Home, 2830 Main Street, Beallsville, with the Rev. James Markley officiating. Interment will be in Taylor Cemetery, Brownsville. Military rites will be accorded graveside by Hancock-McCune-Horne American Legion Post 705, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorable contributions be made to Centerville American Legion Post 705, 1101 Old National Pike, Fredericktown, PA 15333. Guest book and personal condolences may be accessed at www.GreenleeFuneralHome.com.