MARK JENKINS
FRANCIS-Graveside services for Marcus Orville "Mark" Jenkins, 81, of Francis, are 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Cedar Grove Cemetery, Rev. Steve Deshazo will officiate.
Mr. Jenkins died Sunday, September 22, 2013 at an Ada hospital. He was born February 20, 1932 in Ada, Oklahoma to James Roy Jenkins and Elizabeth Ingram Jenkins. He attended Homer schools.
He married Wanda Cooper at the Free Will Baptist Church in Ada, Oklahoma on February 23, 1952. He was a heavy machine mechanic at East Central University for 25 years. He also served in the U.S. Army from 1952 - 1954 during the Korean Conflict, for which he earned a Purple Heart.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda, of the home; three daughters, Diane Calaway of Francis, Leah Abney and her husband, Bryan, of Paoli, Tori Harvey of Francis; two sons, James Jenkins and his wife, Toni, of Francis, and Kevin Jenkins of Francis, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and several brothers and sisters, Sheila Austin and her husband, Bill, Shirley Martin and her husband, James, Pat Body, Judy Young, Hollis Jenkins and his wife Ileen, and Herman Jenkins and his wife, Jill, plus many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Mark Alan Jenkins, several brothers and sisters, and both parents.
In addition to working at East Central University, Mark owned and operated a small furniture repair shop and an auto body shop in Francis. He could fix anything, much to the delight of his daughters, whom he loved to spoil. He retired in 1987, and his early retirement years were filled with 4 wheelers, fishing and camping trips, noodling at the South Canadian River, fish fries, and quail hunting. He also hand built two log cabins, with the help of his friends, one of which he has lived in for the last 20 years. His latter years included activities like playing dominoes, card games, and country music. He loved to spend time with his family, and he loved to take care of anyone in need.
Mark was known simply as "Papa" by his friends and family. We remember him as always having a smile and a new joke, always cheering us up and making us laugh, no matter how grim the situation. We love him dearly and miss him already.
Pallbearers will be Fred Martin, Timmy Harrison, Kenny Maxwell, and Bryan Abney.
Obituaries may be viewed and online condolences sent to criswellfh.com.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada