JENKINS, Paul

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Paul Jenkins passed away peacefully in his home on Sept. 18, 2011, after a long illness with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. His life exemplified his Christian faith. Paul was born in Altamont, Ill., on Christmas Day, 1927. After graduating from Eastern Illinois University, he was drafted into the army during the Korean War. He earned the rank of staff sergeant in the 15th Anti-Aircraft Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division and was awarded the Meritorious Badge of Honor. Upon return, he married the love of his life, Marilyn Milleville, in Altamont in 1954. The couple both became educators and moved to Evergreen Park, Ill., where Paul taught math and biology, coached basketball, and eventually retired as assistant superintendent of the district. Following retirement, Paul and Marilyn moved to Prescott, Ariz., where he continued his lifelong interests of reading, fishing, golfing and bowling. He was an enthusiastic spectator of all sports, especially basketball, and any performance by his children or grandchildren. Friends and family enjoyed his lively storytelling and laughter. Paul's integrity and sensitive leadership benefited his congregations, Bethel Lutheran Church of Evergreen Park and American Lutheran Church in Prescott. In 2005, he was given the Melvin Jones Fellow Award by the International Association of Lions Clubs in recognition of 48 years of service. Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Renata Jenkins, his brother, Robert, and sister Beverly Parcel (Paul). He is survived by his wife Marilyn, son Robert (Susan), daughter Rae Lynn Jirsa (Rick) and grandchildren Christopher and Katherine Jenkins and William and Ellyn Jirsa. Memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at American Lutheran Church, Prescott. Memorials may be sent to Lions Camp Tatiyee (www.arizonalionscamp.org), P.O. Box 6910 Mesa, AZ 85216. Please visit www.heritagefuneralchapels.com to sign Paul's online guestbook. Services entrusted to Heritage Memory Mortuary. Information provided by survivors.
Posted by Judy Wight Branson on September 21, 2011

Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.