Obituary of Richard Jenkins

Richard Jenkins Sr. age 80 of Newport passed away on 7/26/2023. Service 11AM Friday (8/4/2023) at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 711 Bradley St, St Paul, MN 55130.Interment  will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation 1 hour prior to the service (10:00-11:00AM)

In Loving Memory of Reverend Richard Jenkins, Sr.

Richard Leonard Jenkins was born on September 18, 1942, in Wyandotte County, Kansas City, Kansas, to the late Maxine Jenkins and John Price. He was the eldest of seven siblings and was adopted into the caring family of Reverend Moses and Essie Williams, gaining three brothers and one sister.

Early in life, Richard embraced his spiritual journey, accepting Christ as his Lord and Savior in Eudora, Kansas. He attended Stowe Elementary School and Sumner High School before pursuing medicine at Donnelly College in Kansas City, Kansas. Richard later moved to Minnesota and became an integral member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, where he met the love of his life, Cecelia Presley, and married her on March 30, 1964.

Richard's life took a turn when he was drafted into the US Military to serve in the Vietnam War. After completing his service, he and Cecelia welcomed five children into their lives. Throughout his career at the 3M Company, Richard received recognition and the 3M Community Service Award before retiring in 1999 to devote himself fully to ministry and volunteer work.

A compassionate and social individual, Richard discovered his passion for prison ministry and faithfully served in various capacities, including as a chaplain for HealthEast, Purple Heart, and Disabled American Veterans. His dedication to service earned him numerous awards, including the Purple Heart Recipient and the President's Volunteer Service Award.

On July 26, 2023, at 6:45 p.m., Reverend Richard Jenkins's light dimmed as he peacefully transitioned, receiving the Walk of Honor from the US Department of Veterans Affairs.

Richard leaves behind a loving family, including his wife, Cecelia, two sons, three daughters, surviving siblings, twelve grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.