Morris Jenkins

Morris N. Jenkins

February 17, 1941 – March 15, 2020

As Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.   Luke 23:46

Sunday evening, March 15, 2020, Morris N. Jenkins, surrounded by his loving children and granddaughters, committed his spirit to his Father and breathed his last breath, slipping from this earth into eternity to join his parents and others who have gone before him.

Neal and Marzelle Jenkins welcomed their son, Morris Neal, on February 17, 1941 in Waxahachie, Texas.  Morris was a longtime resident of the Nash Community for the past 15 years.  He attended Waxahachie schools and was a proud member of the WHS Class of ’59.   Morris looked forward to every class reunion and often helped with the coordination of these reunions.  To drive his classic car in the homecoming parade each year brought him great joy.  Morris enjoyed staying in touch with his friends and met monthly with former classmates for lunch at Cancun’s Mexican Restaurant.

Morris worked for Burleson’s Honey before seeking employment in 1960 with Larkin Industries in Waxahachie.  His talent for being a meticulous note-taker, an organizer, and a planner were recognized by upper management and thus began his career in Inventory & Production Planning at Larkin for the totality of his employment in the oil field.  After a short employment term with The Western Company, Morris had the pleasure of working for his son-in-law at Owen Oil Tools in Fort Worth from 1996- 2001 as the Master Planner and Inventory Control Manager.

Upon retirement in 2001, Morris dedicated his time to his family, friends and the hobbies he loved most.  An avid classic car enthusiast, Morris loved sharing his knowledge of classic cars.  He carried a small picture of the car of his dreams, a red and white ’57 Ford Fairlane Retractable Hardtop in his wallet hoping one day to own one of these cars.  His dream came true in 2018 when he found and purchased the exact car he had longed for so many years.  He proudly drove his car in all of the Waxahachie parades, weather permitting of course.

Early in life, Morris developed a passion for building and flying remote controlled airplanes.  He was often seen on a beautiful weekend day, in the middle of an open field, flying these airplanes.  His love for flying airplanes would draw spectators to watch him as his enthusiasm and expertise for this hobby was clearly evident.  This hobby led him to dream about learning to fly airplanes on a much larger scale.  Years later, he obtained his private pilot’s license, purchased his own single-engine Cessna 152 and continued his fervent love of flying.

To many in the Nash Community and surrounding areas, Morris was known as “Mr. Goodwrench”.  He could repair anything with or without an engine, but was notoriously known for his ability to repair lawnmowers.

Morris enjoyed gardening and sharing the vegetables he grew with his family and friends.  He was extremely persnickety about his garden from the placement of each row and each plant to the timing for planting and harvesting.  He especially enjoyed gardening with his close friend, Becky Oliver.  In addition to gardening, Morris loved being a beekeeper. Beekeeping and his knowledge of bees were remarkable.  He had always hoped he would be able to return to this hobby as it brought him great joy to experience and share the fruits of his labor and knowledge.

To know Morris was to know that he was a great patriot and his deep love for his country was evident.  He often wore a hat, a shirt or a pair of socks that outwardly displayed his patriotism and love for America.  Morris was a proud member of the NRA and was an avid gun enthusiast and collector.

Morris was a longtime member of the Men’s Downtown Bible Class in Waxahachie.  He actively served as the treasurer for his Sunday School Class; a role he enjoyed and took very seriously.  His devotion and responsibility to his fellow members of the Men’s Downtown Bible Class was apparent.

“Porky”, “PaPa”, Daddy or Morris…all names he was lovingly called and known by. Regardless of what name you referred to him by; Morris was a friend and a very good friend to everyone who had the honor of knowing him.  Whether you worked with him, went to Sunday School with him, went to grade school with him, or knew him through his children and grandchildren; he was your friend.  He thoroughly enjoyed talking with his friends about any subject that was of interest.  He genuinely cared about everyone he came into contact with.

Above and beyond all of the passion he had for his cars, gardening, guns, bees and airplanes, his children, his grandchildren and especially his great-grandchildren brought him the most joy.  The smile on his face bespoke of the love in his heart for all of them.  He never turned an opportunity down to visit his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  They were the joy in his day, the pride in his heart and the ultimate lights of his life.  The example he set of daily living faithfully through Christ, of being a man, a father and a grandfather will carry all of us in the days to come.  Our hearts are heavy and our sorrow is overwhelming but we rejoice in the knowledge that we will see him again.

His parents, Neal and Marzelle Jenkins, preceded Morris, an only child, in death. He was also preceded in death by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins whom he loved deeply.

Morris is survived by his daughter and son-in law, Patsy and David Wesson of Fort Worth, Texas/Aspen, Colorado; his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Jamie Jenkins of Waxahachie, his granddaughters and their husbands, Kaleigh and Cameron Kirkpatrick of Aspen, Colorado, Mackenzie and Kevin Aleman of Woodinville, Washington.  Morris is also survived by two great-grandchildren that were more precious to him than words could describe, Kennedy Kirkpatrick and Sanford (Ford) Aleman.  The mother of his children, Carolyn Roberts Jenkins survives Morris.  A very special uncle, David C. Jenkins and his wife, Lois of Tyler, Texas also survives Morris along with numerous cousins and friends.

We appreciate your attendance and the support you are offering to the family.

We are all reminded to practice good hygiene to help combat the spread of COVID-19.

Avoid touching or hugging, a simple nod or gesture will suffice.
Follow proper etiquette when coughing or sneezing.
Keep a “social distance” to avoid contact.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.
Be mindful as you come in contact with “high touch” surfaces that could potentially spread germs.