William Gates Jenkins Jr., 81, of Beaumont, Texas, died Thursday, November 15, 2007, surrounded by his wife and children. He was born in Ozona, Texas, January 15, 1926.
He is survived by his wife, Melba Louise Silverburg and had celebrated 60 years of marriage in July 2007. His children, Michael Ralph Jenkins Sr. and his wife JoBeth, and Diane Jenkins Castro and her husband Toby. Grandchildren William Gates Jenkins III and his wife Gillian, Michael Ralph Jenkins Jr. and his wife Betsy, Sara Castro Tahaney and her husband Casey, and Colby William Castro. Great-grandchildren Hannah Nonette Jenkins, William Gates Jenkins IV, Roy Thomas Jenkins and two great-grandsons due in 2008.
Bill served in World War II in the United States Navy aboard the USS Colorado. After returning to Beaumont, he built a long career in the chemical industry and retired from Sandoz Chemical.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Bill was Scout Master for Troop 65 at Wesley Methodist Church from 1962-1967. He led the scouts to summer camps, the 1964 National Boy Scout Jamboree at Valley Forge, PA, and led a 77 mile rafting trip down the Neches River to Colliers Ferry Landing. His Boy Scout years continued through his involvement with his son and grandsons, all who earned their Eagle Scout rank.
He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for 60 years, and was a charter member of the Masonic Lodge BF Quicksall #1370, for 60 years as well. Bill was a member of the Spindletop Rotary Club and Jefferson County Master Gardeners. His talents and interests extended into all parts of his life and he shared them with family, friends and neighbors.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 18, 2007 at Wesley United Methodist Church, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Beaumont. A gathering of family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, November 17, 2007 at Broussard’s, 1605 N. Major Dr. in Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts Troop 65, c/o Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.
