Montford 'Monty' Jenkins

Danville- Montford Jenkins, 86, Danville, formerly of Westville passed away on the morning of Sunday, February 13, 2011 at the North Logan Health Care nursing home, Danville. Monty had suffered from Alzheimers disease for several years. He was born September 26, 1924 in Vermilion County and attended Westville schools, being lovingly raised by his paternal grandparents Garfield and Bessie Jenkins. He married Eleanor Ruth Powell of Danville on May 19, 1951 in Watseka, Illinois. She survives him. Also surviving are one son, Jamey (Mary) Jenkins of Homer, three grandchildren, Laura Jenkins of Sidell, Elizabeth (Chris) Morgan of Bloomington-Normal, and Jessica Jenkins of Hartford, Connecticut, and four great-grandchildren, Kailee Eldridge, Jordan Eldridge, Nathan Eldridge, and Isla Morgan. He is also survived by numerous brother and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews, including nieces Pamela (Ted) Kopacz of Westville and Patty (Jerry) Griffith of Georgetown. He was preceded in death by infant twin sons, Lonnie William Jenkins and Ronnie Walter Jenkins, also a stillborn infant daughter and one granddaughter, Amber Jenkins Eldridge, his father and mother, Clarence Jenkins and Daisy Wagle Jenkins Hacquet, a stepfather, Albert HAcquet, Jr., and a brother and sister, John Cleo Jenkins and Maxine Jenkins Wright. Monty had a varied working career shared by the New York Central railroad, where he was a train brakeman. He worked with his wife for a time at the Vermilion Street Steak-n-Shake restaurant and as warehouse manager for the Montgomery Ward store in Danville. Monty and Eleanor provided a Shelter Care Home for the Veterans Administration of Danville while he worked for the distribution department of the local Commercial News Newspaper. An accomplished musician his entire life, Monty shared his love of country and blue grass music with many local talents and audiences. His career began with violin (fiddle) lessons as a young boy and he soon mastered other stringed instruments, the mandolin and guitar. Monty had a distinctive ear for tone and melody. A poet by heart he wrote many lyrics to his own compositions. Monty will be sadly missed by the local music community. Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville. Pastor Steven Burwell will officiate. Entombment will be at Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday, February 16 also at Sunset in Danville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimers Association. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.