Obituary: David Jenkins

Graveside service for David Jenkins age 78, is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Muleshoe Memorial Park Cemetery with Dr. Stacy Conner of Muleshoe officiating. David died Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. He was born April 9, 1945 in Vernon, Texas to Arthur David Jenkins, Jr. and Ethyl Louise (Pannell) Jenkins.

David lived with his mother and grandparents at Doan's Crossing, Texas, while his father was in the Army. When his father returned, he and his parents moved to Sedan, New Mexico, where he helped his father on the family farm. David graduated from Clayton High School, Clayton, New Mexico, in 1963 and moved to Portales, New Mexico, where he attended Eastern New Mexico University on a football and track scholarship and earned his bachelor's degree and master's degree in education. He would later serve on the Alumni Board of Directors for ENMU. David met his wife Sharry at ENMU. After graduating from ENMU, David began a career in teaching and coaching and administration at Portales Junior High School and Portales High School. He retired from Portales High School in 1994 after serving as Principal for many years. After this retirement, he and Sharry moved to Muleshoe, Texas, and began another career in education administration. David retired from Muleshoe in 2007. During his years in education, he received numerous awards and was chosen Principal of the Year in Texas.

David loved his jobs in education and the students and colleagues he worked with. During his years at Portales and Muleshoe he enjoyed golf, traveling to visit his daughter and family, and spending time in casinos in Ruidoso, New Mexico and Las Vegas, Nevada; and of course, cheering for his New York Yankees.

David and Sharry moved to the San Antonio area where their daughter Shawna and her family lived because his health was declining. They lived at Shavano Park Assisted Living for five years, enjoying new friends and activities.

David is survived by his wife, Sharry (Gruda) Jenkins, his daughter, Shawna (Jenkins) Stevenson and her husband Jim, his granddaughter Samantha Stevenson, and his grandson Jake Stevenson, all from Boerne, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters, Sherrye Ann (Jenkins) Guidry and husband Rick, and Sue Ellen (Jenkins) Bunch. Other survivors include an aunt, nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Saylor, Vince Erdmann, and Melvin Nusser.

The family suggests memorials be sent to any charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at http://www.ellisfuneralhomes.com.