Larry Gene Jenkins of Amarillo, Texas, went to his home in Heaven on January 1, 2022. Larry was born on August 9, 1949, to Lela Light.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Pullman Baptist Church, 11701 Deer Trail, Amarillo, Texas.
Larry was the oldest of four siblings. He graduated from Tascosa High School in 1969 and went on to work in the grocery business with Furr’s, Albertsons, and United Supermarkets, as well as Asarco Copper Refinery.
In 1972, he met the love of his life, Janet Collie. They were married on July 6, 1973, fulfilling the promise that he made to her the first time he ever saw her. Together they welcomed two daughters into the world.
Larry was a master cabinet and furniture builder, he loved working with raw lumber and turning it into something beautiful. Larry loved to fish and shared his love with his family and especially his grandchildren. Larry made sure his daughters knew how to drive in a snowstorm, drive a stick shift, change a tire and the oil in a car. He made sure that his girls were strong and resilient and made sure they knew “can’t can’t do nothing” so that they were never afraid to try anything and they were never allowed to take the easy way around anything. The strength of his girls was his joy.
When Larry became a Papa, he entered into a whole new realm of awesomeness. He would take the grandbabies to dance in the sprinklers near Medi-Park until security would chase them away, take them on fishing trips whenever possible and jump out of any swing he could, as soon as he got it as high as he could. He always thought he was funny and always had something to say. He enjoyed every volleyball, football, baseball, and softball game he attended. He was looking forward to the next generation with his great-grandbabies, as soon as they were old enough to go find some trouble.
Larry loved the Lord and helped teach Sunday school at The Church at Bushland for a while. As he got older, or more experienced as he preferred to say, his hunger and passion for the Bible grew. Larry’s last days were spent fighting while he prayed, praising Jesus, and continuing to pass on wisdom. His last moments included talking about the buffalos, casting a fishing pole, and fishing with Papa. He was in his happy place.
Larry was preceded in death by his mother, and his brother, Kenneth Holmes.
Left to carry on his memory are his wife; daughters Toni Connelly (John) of Amarillo, Misty Kerbo (Kent) of Amarillo and Lisa Crawford of Dallas; grandchildren (partners in crime) Ashlee Grove (Justin) of Amarillo, Collin Jones (Haley) of Oklahoma City, Addison Jones (Will) of Amarillo, Caleb Madden of Amarillo, and Mollie Kerbo of Amarillo; great-grandchildren, Dean Bontrager of Amarillo and Paisley Jones of Oklahoma City; siblings, Paula Wainwright (Jeff), James Holmes, and sister by heart, Glenda Clay.
The family would like to thank Karen Grove, United Supermarkets #529, and Chamber Cook-off Champions for their love and support during this time.
Larry will truly be missed by his family. I remember Kenneth always looked up to his big brother giving him solid advice with life problems. I remember he was always willing to help when needed. Kenneth will be happy to reunite with his brother again. Fishing all day long.
We have good memories of years gone by when Larry and Janet were our neighbors. Projects kept
their minds and hands busy all the time. We often enjoyed Larry’s gifts of catfish and to this day, we still
enjoy the flourishing red rose bushes they planted in their front yard.
We extend our love to Janet and the family and pray God’s arms of security and peace will surround them all.
I was a childhood friend of Larry..His grandmother took care of us when I was a boy and we used to play cowboys and Indians.Larry was always a hard worker; He asked me to help him to get up and throw Sunday newspapers which meant getting up at 5 am.I am sorry I lost contact with Larry as he was a good friend.we had good times together.
I remember all of the memories of me and him working together at United and telling me stories and jokes and me hearing him pass away made me cry we miss you Larry
I’m glad I was part of the family as long as I was. I always enjoyed being around Larry and Kenneth. They were both family. I remember when Dub passed away and I went into his room after he was gone Larry followed me and talked to me while I was in there and made it a lot easier for me. I’ll miss you. RIP