William Clay Jenkins

© The Bakersfield Californian

Tuesday, 5 December 2006

Submitted by: Brenda Franklin

William Clay Jenkins
Dec. 6, 1934 - Nov. 29, 2006

"William" Clay Jenkins passed away November 29, 2006 in Bakersfield. Clay had suffered a severe stroke in 1995 after open heart surgery in 1994. For many years he was disabled from the stroke; however he never gave up and had a positive attitude and always kept his sense of humor.

Clay was born in Bearden, Oklahoma on December 6, 1934.

His family moved to Shafter when he was nine years old. He graduated from Shafter High School class of 1952 and began working for Shafter Pump and Belridge Oil Company before entering the United States Army.

He married Rosalie Guenther in 1957 and they were happily married for 49 years.

In 1963 after his service in the Army he became a member of the California Highway Patrol. Clay retired from the CHP as a Sergeant after a long and accomplished career in 1990.

He is survived by his wife Rose, children, Kellie Cross, Brian and Shelly Jenkins of Bakersfield; grandchildren, Katie Fisher and husband Jarrett, Matthew Cross, Annie Cross, Claire Ruby Jenkins and Spencer Clay Jenkins; brother, Ray Jenkins and wife Donna of Fresno; and sister Carolyn Knox of Shafter, many nieces, nephews and all of his Guenther extended family loved him dearly. Clay had many friends through his life and was highly respected and loved by those who knew him.

Services will be held on December 6, 2006, at Shafter Cemetery at 1 p.m. in the afternoon on his 72nd birthday.

Mish Funeral Home

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