Larry Howard Jenkins

Larry Howard Jenkins began life in Rensselaer, Indiana on August 21, 1943, the only son of Howard (Bud) and Rose (Eileen) Nagel Jenkins. He passed peacefully into eternal life surrounded by his family on July 1st,2009 at his home in Naples, Florida; where he had wintered for the past several years. Larry was a lifetime resident of Rensselaer and a graduate of Rensselaer High School’s Class of 1961. On April 4, 1964 at Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Rensselaer, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Sharon Wagner Jenkins. Larry dedicated his life to his God, his family and his community. He was a lifetime member of Saint Augustine Catholic Parish where he was active in the Parish Council, Director of Religious Education and a part of the music ministry for too many years to count. He was a Presidential Fellow at St. Joseph’s College and a Council of Fellows board member. He was a C.P.P.S. Companion and served as a charter member on the C.P.P.S. Companions Advisory Board. After high school he served in the Army Reserves. He was a licensed barber for 45 years, working at Lee’s Barber Shop for many years, where he cut the hair of many, including some of the players from the Chicago Bears during their summer camps at St. Joseph’s College. Larry had been in the real estate business since 1973. He and Sharon opened Jenkins Realtors, Inc. in 1976, after working for 3 years with Corning Real Estate in Crown Point. He was a licensed Indiana Real Estate Broker; a member of the Greater Northwest Indiana Association of Realtors and active member of the State and National Boards. In 1979 he was issued a license as an Independent Fee Appraiser and was a member of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers. Larry was proud of the community he lived in and was very active in keeping both Jasper County and Rensselaer growing and thriving by serving on many boards; Rensselaer Board of Zoning Appeals, Rensselaer Central Vocational Trades since 1978, Rensselaer Economic Development Commission, Jasper County Land Valuation Commission, Jasper County Economic Development Organization, Jasper County Industrial Foundation, the Jasper County Hospital Foundation and many others. He was co-owner and operator of the Babcock Stone Quarry for several years doing much of the stone sales jobs. He was a man who liked to be challenged and continued to challenge himself with new ventures until the very end. He was an encouraging mentor and had an inspiring influence in many people’s lives over many years. He had a natural talent and love of music from his earliest years, learning to play the accordion, drums, bass guitar and guitar. He began playing in a band with his Dad at dances at the age of 11. He was involved for many years with the Little Cousin Jasper Festival’s “HeeHaw” Show and was made an “honorary member” of the N.E.R.D.’s band when the occasion arose. He played and sang with family and friends at every opportunity. He is survived by his devoted wife of 45 years, Sharon; his three “favorite” daughters and sons-in-law, Jenifer and Tim Kryshak of Rensselaer, Indiana; Jynell and Steve Martz of DeBary, Florida; JoAnn and Rick McElfresh of Rensselaer, Indiana and his 10 much loved grandchildren, Ashley Martz, Jacob Kryshak, Jared Martz, Justin Kryshak, Kasey Martz, Luke McElfresh, Kaytlyn Kryshak, Joshua Martz, Logann McElfresh and Nicholas Martz. He will be forever loved, remembered and missed by his multitudes of family and good friends over his nearly 66 years. He never met a stranger, just a new friend. He was preceded in death by his father and mother; sister, Phyllis and brother-in-law, Don Holl. God has been good to him, please join us in the celebration of Larry’s life. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that donations be made to any one of Larry’s favorite causes.

Larry Howard Jenkins

August 21, 1943 - July 1, 2009