GEORGE JENKINS JR.

George Jenkins Jr., 76, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, June 27, 1997, at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, after a brief illness.

He was born Nov. 23, 1920, in Oak Ridge, son of George and Mayme Williams Jenkins Sr. He and Betty L. Stark were married Nov. 22, 1940, in Cape Girardeau. She died Jan. 23, 1995.

Jenkins was a graduate of Jackson High School. He worked in the San Francisco Shipyard in the early years of World War II, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943, and served with the Occupational Forces in Korea before the Korean War. He received a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

He was manager of the linen supply department at Rigdon Laundry and then Tipton Laundry from 1955-86.

Jenkins was a member of First Baptist Church; American Legion Post 63; VFW Post 3838; member and past president and secretary of Evening Optimist Club.

He was a former member of Jaycees and helped to establish the Jaycee Golf Course. He received the 1955-56 Keyman Award from the Jaycees for work on the golf course project.

Jenkins was a former member of Cape Girardeau Park and Recreation Board; Cape Girardeau County Board of Adjustment; and served many years on the Optimist flag football and church basketball league committees.

He was a member and secretary, received the 32nd Degree, and was a past worshipful master of St. Mark Masonic Lodge. He was a member of Wilson Chapter Royal Arch Masons; Cape Girardeau Commandry; High 12 Club; Scottish Rite; district deputy grand master of the 49th District of Missouri, and past president of 49th District Association.

Survivors include two sons, Jerry Jenkins of Indianapolis, Ind., Edward Jenkins of New York City; two sisters, Dorothy Illers of Jackson, Billie Kiehnau of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and four sisters.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Sprigg Street Chapel from 4-8 p.m. Sunday. A Masonic service will be held at 8.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday at the chapel, with the Rev. John Owen officiating. Burial will be in Lorimier Cemetery.