Bobby Lee Jenks Sr.

Wasilla resident Bobby Lee Jenks Sr. passed away in his home Feb. 16, 2015.

Graveside service is at 11 a.m., Feb. 21 in Wasilla Cemetery. A memorial service and potluck reception follow at 1 p.m. at Valley Church of Christ 6901 E. Blue Lupine Wasilla.

Bobby was born Aug. 28, 1931, in Coon Holler, Arkansas.

He served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1952-1956. He was married to his sweetheart Mickey “Purcella” Jenks. He moved to Alaska in April 1953 and lived in Anchorage from 1956 to 1970, when he moved to Wasilla.

Bob and wife Mickey operated the “Tudor Café” from 1968 to 1970. Bob was the “Head Cook” and also worked as a labor foreman for Hickel Construction, Bough Construction and Hedreen Construction. He worked out of the Labor Union Local 341. He retired from Local 341 in 1976.

“We remember Dad being the Labor Forman on the Captain Cook Hotel for HIckel Const.” after the 1964 earthquake. Some of his other projects include the University Center and Wasilla High School. He was well known for his homemade chili that was served at the café and even better known for the pranks he pulled on the job.

He was affiliated with the Baptist.

Some of Bobby’s hobby’s included fishing, hunting and gardening.

His children wrote, “Dad was the most devoted family man ever. His love and enjoyment of his children and grandchildren knew no bounds. He was the happiest on the river fishing or in the midst of a noisy family gathering around a campfire. Our favorite memories of dad always include laughing, joking, campfires and lots of love.”

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon (Ronnie) Bell, Bev (David) Shumake; sons, Bobby (Polly) Jenks, Kenneth Jenks; sister, Riva Chenoweth of Arkansas; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by wife, Mickey, and son, Brad William Jenks.

Arrangements were entrusted to Wasilla Heritage Chapel, please go to Legacyalaska.com to sign our online register book.