Lester Jenkins
VAN BUREN - Lester Floyd Jenkins, Jr., 92, of Van Buren, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023. He was born March 24, 1931 in Columbus, Ohio to the late Lester F. and Laurabelle (Wilson) Jenkins, Sr. A lifelong learner, Lester attended The Ohio State University, majoring in geology and later received a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Nebraska. He also took multiple courses in continuing his education from various universities.
He was a career Army officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel serving in Korea and two combat tours in Vietnam. Les was awarded the Bronze Star with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, a Purple Heart, along with numerous other medals and awards. While in the Army, one of his largest projects was recruiting youths into the ROTC program.
After retiring from the Army, Les bought his dream property with 20 acres and raised cattle. He became a real estate broker and established his own real estate firm called Vista Realty. He joined the District 6 volunteer fire department, serving first as a firefighter, and later as the fire service coordinator for the county. He revamped the business office of the Crawford County volunteer fire departments by implementing new billing procedures and applying for and receiving many Federal grants for equipment and training programs.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret (Maggie), née Mirra; and a brother, Robert Jenkins.
He is survived by six children, Michael Silvia of Acworth, Ga., Douglas Silvia (Genevieve) of Rydal, Ga., Arthur Silvia (Denise) of Jacksonville, N.C., Gina Keveryn (Michael) of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Lisa Crowden (Michael) of Fort Smith, and Laura Frala (Gary) of Fayetteville; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Memorial service will be 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel followed by ashes being placed at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.
The family will visit with friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.
To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.