Richard Joe Jenkins, 67, died Sunday, September 14, 2025 at his home in Derby, Kansas with his family at his side.

He was born on November 7, 1957 in Joplin, Missouri, the son of Bob F. and Jean Ann Williams Jenkins. Richard was raised in Galena, Kansas where he graduated from high school in 1975. He later attended Wichita State University.

Richard married Georgia Lynn Bailey on December 26, 1975 at his parent's home in Galena.

After a short stint in the Army, Richard and Georgia lived in Wichita and Derby while Richard worked at Boeing/Spirit for 25 years. He worked at DRS in West Plains, MO for about five years then moved back to Wichita, working for ZTM/Accurus Aerospace then retired to Riverton in 2020. They moved to Derby last year to be near family as his Alzheimer's progressed.

Richard's favorite pastime was definitely fishing. He enjoyed shooting skeet with his friends in West Plains. He played softball for many years with a great group of guys who became much more than teammates. And, he loved his family. His grandsons, Eli and Oliver, held a special place in his heart. He could make you laugh, he was ornery, he could be counted on to be there. He was a great guy that was taken from us way too soon.

Survivors include his wife Georgia of the home; son Drew Jenkins and wife Valerie of Wichita; grandchildren Eli Castleberry and Oliver Jenkins; his father Bob Jenkins of Joplin; brother Steven Jenkins of Baxter Springs, Ks; sisters Margaret Fritz and Renda Puckett of Joplin, Cheryl King and husband Randy of Baxter Springs, Sally Roche and husband Ron of Joplin.

Richard is preceded in death by his mother and brother Marvin "Rat" Jenkins whom enjoyed fishing with.

Arrangements are by Affordable Cremations Plus, Wichita, Ks.