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Lehman G. {Jerry Jenkins} was born May 8, 1922, to Rosa Cicle Jenkins and Arley Jenkins on the family farm near Stillwater, Oklahoma. As the oldest of eight kids, from an early age he knew hard times and hard work.
He left home when he was 12 years old because there was no place to sleep and not enough to eat. He went to work for a farmer a few miles away where he worked in the fields six days a week and milked cows seven days a week for three dollars a week plus room and board. He walked home on Sundays to give his mother a dollar a week to feed the younger kids.
He left Oklahoma at the first opportunity, saying he never wanted to follow the rear end of a horse again.
He was sixteen years old and went to Buhl, Idaho, where three of his Cicle uncles had settled.
He found work the first day, and "the prettiest girl in Twin Falls County" soon after. He married Betty Jane Dennis in 1941. Their first son, Jerry, was born soon after L. G. was drafted into World War II.
He served in Company D, 9th Tank Battalion, 20th Armored Division in the European Campaign in France, Holland, Austria and Germany. When Germany surrendered on his 23rd birthday, May 8, 1945, he said all of Europe had a party for him. After the war he began his career as an Operating Engineer.
Jerry and Betty had three more children and had lived in Bakersfield since 1953. He belonged to the Kern County Sheriff's Mounted Posse for many years.
He was a rough, tough, brave individual who was known for his colorful language and character.
His children and grandchildren idolized and respected him.
Jerry died at his daughter's home with his family by his side. He was truly loved.
He was also a lifelong Democrat who wanted Hillary Clinton as the next President.
He was preceded in death by his son, Jerry Jenkins; wife, Betty; sister, Betty Clark; and brother, Bill Jenkins.
He is survived by his daughters, Jennifer Fritz and husband, James, and Jalana Walters and husband, Gary; son, Randy Jenkins; his grandchildren who meant the world to him, Scott Fritz, Jerry Fritz, Andrea Jenkins, Cory Jenkins, Kelsey Jenkins and wife, Angela; stepgranddaughters, Krystal Barton, Katie London; his great-grandsons, Jerrett and Jorden Fritz and Caleb Walters; Buddy and Linda Halbrook who were his special friends and considered family; two sisters, Dova Gibbons, Rosalee French; and his brothers, Roy, Pete and Jack.
A celebration and tribute to the life of a most special man will be held at his daughter Jennifer's residence on Sunday, March 26, 2006, at 1:00 p.m. Friends are invited to come share food and memories.
For information please call 587-1723.Legacy.com.
Published in Bakersfield Californian from March 24 to March 25, 2006.
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