Obituary for Keith Jenkins

Keith Eldon Jenkins, 82, of Westerville, died July 19 at St. Ann’s Hospital.  He was born on November 29, 1940 in Marietta, Ohio to the late James Carlton and Clarice Merle Price Jenkins.  He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Grim Jenkins, married on August 16, 1964.  They have three children: Mary Anne (Ed) Sparks, Todd Alan (Wendi Petry) and Lawrence (Larry) Carlton (Tiffany Donley).  He is survived by seven grandchildren: Elizabeth Lauren South, Zachary Paul South, Claire Frances, Grace Anne, Maren Nicole, Andrew Lawrence, and Katherine Vione.  He is predeceased by Seth Alan who died of leukemia March 6, 2010. He is also survived by his 4 siblings: Kay Annette Berning, Connie Sue Lemmon, Don Alan, and Carmen Lynn Bigus and in-laws Larry (Helen) Grim and Barbara Beam, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Keith graduated from Ohio State University with degrees in Dairy Technology and Education.  His Master’s degree in Education Administration is from Bowling Green State University.  He was a science and math teacher and later had his own business as a Human Resource Consultant.  Keith was a friend to everyone he met.  He loved helping people.  He was a long time Boy Scout leader serving with Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Order of the Arrow, and Explorers. He was well known as the camp cook.  He took an Explorer Troup to the Boundary Waters, Sailing in Key West and Philmont.  He rocked babies in the church nursery, served as councilor to MYF kids and attended every concert, basketball game, soccer game, baseball game, volleyball game, marching band event and other activities of his kids and grandkids. He also built many flag and equipment boxes and event bases for the Westerville Sunrise Rotary Field of Heroes and helped at the Chili Open.  Keith and Carol were fortunate to travel to many states and countries, meeting lifelong friends along the way.  He always wanted to have his own car whether we were on USA soil or in Europe.  He felt that that was the way to see the world.  Driving on the left or the right side of the road was an adventure.

Keith has donated his body to the OSU Medical College.  The burial of his cremains will be at the Madison Township Cemetery in Fayette County, Ohio at a later date.

Memorial service and calling hours will be held on August 7, 2023 at Hill’s Funeral Home on State Street Westerville beginning at 5p.m. The memorial service will be held at 630 p.m.  Family and friends are encouraged to attend and raise a salute to Keith.

In lieu of flowers Keith requested that contributions be made to The Seth A. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund in care of Development Department, Saint Charles Preparatory School, 2010 East Broad Street. Columbus, OH  43209-1665