At 10:09 PM on Tuesday April 14th, Joe Jenkins, 90, of Sweet Home, peacefully passed away at home comforted by his loving wife Marilyn and supported by his caregivers Amos and Kristie Burger who saw to all his needs.A special mention to Kristie for all she did. With all the family he loved nearby, he passed just shy of his 91st birthday. Joe was born April 27, 1929 in Hill City Kansas to Essley Earl and Gladys Irene (Stuchlik) Jenkins. Joe was blessed with 9 siblings: Leora, Les, Irene, Eldon, Elmer, Mahree, Lucky, his twin brother Gene and youngest Mary Jane. Sadly, all have passed before him.

Joe attended Sweet Home High School. On January 14, 1948, Joe left Sweet Home to follow his brother Lucky into the Navy. He served aboard a Destroyer Escort with the Pacific Fleet during the occupation of Japan. His ship saw action during the Korean war doing interdiction and picket duties off the Korean coast. Following his honorable discharge from the Navy and a short stint on the East Coast, Joe returned to Sweet Home.

In 1966, Joe married Carrol Crockette and they had two children from that union. In 1975, the couple separated. Joe enjoyed a long career with Willamette Industries at Foster, Oregon. On March 29, 1980, he married Marilyn (Roberts) Burger and gained four more kids in the deal. In the early 90’s when Willamette closed the Scragg Mill at Foster, Joe decided to retired. He put most of his energy in his favorite hobby which was woodworking. Whether it was a bench a daughter needed or the kitchen table, Joe was a master woodworker. He helped some of his kids and many others rebuild and repair their houses and he shared all his experience and knowledge with any and all. He loved to watch sports, baseball especially, and of course a good western, the TV could be found set on one or the other at all times. Joe loved life and was a bit of a tease if he could get one going. Marilyn and Joe loved to go dancing at the VFW. They would dance every dance, close it up and the head to the Spring Restaurant to finish the night.

Joe is much loved and remembered by family and those he worked with all those years. He will be dearly missed and the world has lost one amazing guy. Joe is survived by his wife, Marilyn Jenkins. From the union with Carrol: Anthony Jenkins and Dona Jenkins. With wife Marilyn: Kevin and Jean Burger, Brian and Valarie Burger, Liesa and Bill Payne, Russel and Lynn Burger; 14 amazing grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Services to be held at a later date due to COVID-19.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.