David (Dave) Jenkins

David Jenkins, age 83 of Center, MO, passed away at his residence surrounded by his family.

Cremation rites are under the direction of Bibb-Veach Funeral Homes & Crematory, LLC in Bowling Green, MO. A family lead Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 3:00pm until 7:00pm at the Keely Center in Louisiana.

Dave was born January 11, 1941, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Alton Jenkins Sr. and Evelyn Hertha (Pothoff) Jenkins. Dave spent his early childhood years in St. Louis, until his family moved to Clarksville, MO. He attended Clopton Schools. It was during his senior year that Dave left school and began working on a barge on the Mississippi River. On July 24, 1966, at First Baptist Church in Louisiana, he married Charla “Sudy” Kay York and together they raised two daughters.

Dave began his lengthy law enforcement career in Winfield, MO, then Vandalia and Louisiana. In 1972 he was elected to the position of Sheriff for the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, where he held that position for 16 years. Following his retirement, Dave worked alongside his brother at Black Thunder Power Boats and drove a semi-truck. When Dave completely retired, he and Sudy spent the next 17 years living in Lake Ozark, MO until they moved closer to family in Center, MO in 2017.

In his spare time, Dave enjoyed being in the outdoors hunting, fishing and boating with his wife on their houseboat out to the Mississippi sandbar. Dave enjoyed watching football, especially Mizzou and Kansas City Chiefs. Above all, Dave loved spending time with his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and quick wit that will be greatly missed by all.

Left to continue his legacy are his wife Charla “Sudy” Jenkins of Center; daughters Susan Liter and husband Jason of Center, and Kimberly Brown of Center; grandchildren Amanda Kay Brown (Shelly Gudehus), Macy McCurdy, Madison Christal (Kameron), Marli Liter, and Payton Weber; great grandchildren Pieper McCurdy, Hadley McCurdy, Braxton McCurdy, and Karson Christal; brothers Don Jenkins and wife Carol of Louisiana, and Tom Jenkins and wife Nancy of Louisiana.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents and brother Alton Jenkins “Sonny” Jr.