Billy Ray Jenkins

Billy Ray Jenkins, age 73, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center following a brief illness.

Bill was born March 19, 1946 to Paul and Wilma (Adams) Jenkins in Butler County, Missouri.  A talented athlete, he competed in football, track and basketball while at Poplar Bluff High School, graduating in 1964.  Although drafted in the Army, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, earning a place among the world’s greatest warriors. His honorable service included two tours in Vietnam as a Combined Action Platoon Marine, receiving a Purple Heart for injuries suffered there.  During his 3-year assignment in Naples, Italy he married Mary Usinger and they welcomed their first son, Shawn.  Following his military service Bill joined the US Postal Service.  They lived briefly on Long Island, NY, and then he moved his family home to Poplar Bluff.  There they had their second son, Brian.  An exceptional father, Bill coached youth baseball and basketball, inspiring not only his sons but countless other boys and athletes.  Through his years as a mail carrier Bill made friends and brightened the days of many across Poplar Bluff.

After retiring from the Postal Service Bill pursued his love of horseback riding and traveling, exploring trails from Arkansas to the Black Hills.  In 2014, while visiting a long-time in Avon, NC, Bill was introduced to his friend’s neighbor Jane Burger.  Although Bill returned to Poplar Bluff and Jane to Urbandale, Iowa, through their nightly phone calls their friendship deepened into love.  They united on January 15, 2015 and have been together ever since.  Centerville, Iowa became their home, a beautiful compromise of the suburban and rural lifestyles to which they had become accustomed.  Bill was an avid outdoorsman and horseman.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, working outside, church activities, and volunteering with the Appanoose County Community Meals each week

He is survived by Jane, son Lt Col Shawn (Tonya) Jenkins, grandsons Grant (Chrissy) Jenkins and Reid (Sharlee) Jenkins, great-granddaughter Audrey Jenkins, siblings Barbara (Phil) Gray, Paul Jenkins, and Danny (Donna) Jenkins, several nieces and nephews, and his dogs Bear and Holly.  He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Jenkins, son Brian Jenkins, brother Earl Jenkins, and his parents.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm. Friday, January 31st at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff.  The funeral service will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, February 1st in the chapel.  Burial with full military honors will follow at Kinsey Cemetery in Butler County.

Memorial donations may be made to Toys for Tots in Mr. Jenkins honor.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservcie.com