Duane Venay Jenkins

Duane Venay Jenkins, of Blue Springs, MO passed away on October 27, 2022. He was 87 years old. Services will be held at Heartland Funeral Home, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd. Raytown, MO Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Visitation will be held from 9-11am. Funeral immediately following at 11am. To view the memorial service live, click HERE.

Duane was born on a farm outside of Brunswick, MO on April 28th, 1935. It was there he graduated high school. This town always held a special place in his heart, with great memories of growing up there that he cherished. His longtime friend of 77 years, Norman Marquess recently said of Duane, “After our 50th High School Reunion, he just took on the role of the “Mother Hen” of the class of 1953. He checked on everyone and kept us updated if anyone was sick, in the hospital or had important things going on in life. He cared about all of us.”

He served his country in the US Army. He was six months active duty and five and a half years in the Reserves. He was always very patriotic and proud of his country.

He married the love of his life, Carolyn Lee Cox on September 21, 1958. They just celebrated their 64th Wedding anniversary and have enjoyed a beautiful long life together. They have lived in several different places over the years and have touched lives and made friends all along the way.

Duane worked for 35 years as Office Manager/Rate Supervisor at the Santa Fe Railroad. (BNSF Railway) He continued to stay in touch with his co-workers over the years, long after he retired.

They raised two daughters, Brenda, and Cheryl, in Hutchinson, KS. It was there they put down roots for 15 years and provided a loving, fun, and wonderful childhood for them, surrounded by many friends at First Southern Baptist Church. Duane served as a deacon, a Sunday School teacher; and loved to share the gospel message of Jesus. Later in life he loved to sing; whether in church or to homebound people who needed to be cheered up. He went many times to Nursing Homes to sing to those who were residents there. He loved to minister to people and try and make their day brighter.

He was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd Venay Jenkins and Evolene (Rutliff).

Survivors include: One Brother, James Jenkins. Two daughters, Brenda (Ken) Beckner, Cheryl (Greg) Sands. Five Grandchildren, Jameson (Courtney) Beckner, Lauren (Jason) Waller, Joel (Kelsey) Beckner, Kristin (Brandon) Keller, Courtney (Grant) Hilton. Eleven great grandchildren: Hudson, Nolan, Ruth, Shepherd, Jackson, Ethan, Elise, Thea, Alister, Moses and Kinsley.

He always said his legacy was that all his family had accepted Jesus as their Savior, and the little ones were being raised to follow the Lord and one day make that decision as well.

Duane was a people person and always wanted to make others smile and laugh. We ask that in his honor we all do one special random act of kindness to spread joy in our world.

A special thanks to Coventry Estates Baptist Church, pastor Doug Bradley, Duane’s Sunday School class and the amazing people who have walked alongside Duane and Carolyn during these difficult times. We praise God that Duane is healed and is having the time of his life in the arms of Jesus and telling his stories in heaven!

Memorial Contributions:
Samaritan’s Purse (Franklin Graham) – www.samaritanspurse.org
Resource Health – www.resourcehealth.org (Formerly Rachel House)
Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions