Ernest C. “Ernie” Jenkins, age 83, former Shelby resident died Sunday, March 22, 2015 at the Sanctuary at Tuttle Crossing in Dublin following an extended illness.
Born February 20, 1932 in Shelby to Clyde and Ethel (Rigg) Jenkins, he had been a Shelby resident the majority of his life. Through desire and determination, at the age of 47 Ernie proudly received his GED in 1979. He had worked at American Tower as a truck driver and maintained his CDL license, which he put to good use throughout his lifetime. He also worked at Shaffer Valve starting as a welder, successfully completed the Dale Carnegie Course and eventually became a salesman. Ernie retired from the Ohio Steel Tube in 1994. After his retirement he enjoyed working at Thunderbird Hills Golf Course in Huron and Burnham Orchards in Berlin Heights.
Ernie was a member of the Shelby Athletic Club and active member of the Huron Eagles Club. Luck on his side, he loved anything to do with betting, scratch offs and pull offs and seemingly won everything. An avid golfer, he also enjoyed riding his motorcycles and scooters. He was a great socializer who loved driving and traveling the countryside.
He is survived by his son, Craig Alan Jenkins of Mansfield; three daughters, Regina Lynn (Paul) McAllister of Huron, Charla Rae (Bill) Bartelt of Worthington and Laurie Ellen (Kim) Baird of Cincinnati; twelve grandchildren, Aaron (Jessica) Jenkins, Alise (Jeffrey) Robinson, Sarah (Brad) Davis, Mark (Stephanie) Leonhardt, Audrey Leonhardt, Stephanie Luna, Brad (fiancé, Kali) Bartelt, Lizzie Bartelt, Emily Bartelt, Ellen (Jon) Perez, Kelly Baird and Brian (fiancé, Kendall) Baird; two step-grandchildren, David McAllister, and Emily McAllister; eight great-grandchildren; five sisters, Beatrice Hall and Eva Mae Cattey of Shelby, Sylvia Argo of Ontario, Clara Mosley of Bucyrus and Gladys Durfee of Mansfield, special friend Virginia Dilgard of Ashland, nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 59 years, Carol Sue “Susie” Jenkins; two sisters, Eunice Clabaugh and Ella Argo.
Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2105 at the Barkdull Funeral Home in Shelby. Rev. Russel Yoak, of the First Lutheran Church, will officiate with interment in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday from 10-11 a.m. Memorial expressions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com
