Melvin Jenkins

December 13, 1946 - May 17, 2021

Melvin Jenkins, age 74, of Cedar Rapids, IA, passed away on Monday, May 17, 2021, at ManorCare Health Services in Cedar Rapids. Melvin was born on December 13, 1946, to Earl and Grace (Walker) Jenkins at Miner’s Hospital in Albia, IA. He grew up attending school and graduated from Van Buren High School with the Class of 1965. In 1967, he entered the United States Army and was assigned to the 6th Calvary stationed in Kentucky. He later transferred to the 9th Calvary in Germany, serving in the Armored Calvary Unit. After serving in the Army, Melvin attended the University of Iowa. Melvin enjoyed watching all sports at all levels, college, professional and local. He had a great mind for recalling statistics and enjoyed watching state tournaments at the U.S. Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids. He loved to play board games, especially Monopoly. Melvin knew all of the rent, house, and hotel costs without having to look them up. He enjoyed attending downtown festivals, including the Freedom Festival, BBQ Roundup, and the Farmer’s Market. He also enjoyed studying U.S. History, especially the World War II era. Melvin is survived by a sister, Karen Johnson; his nephews, Randy (Maggey) Johnson, Kraig (Cissi) Scott, Jeff (Becky) Scott, Rod (Deanna) Scott, and Ricky Jenkins; his nieces, Roxanne (Andre) Pemoulie, Rochelle (Marty) DeVore, Shirlee (Tom) Feneis, Ranae (Tim) McGrann, and Joni Jenkins; and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Grace Jenkins; a brother, Clifford Jenkins; a sister, Nola Scott; a sister-in-law, Beth Jenkins; a niece, Carolee Jenkins; and a great niece, Kristen Scott. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Melvin’s family present to greet family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 21, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia with Pastor Kay Singley officiating. Burial will follow services at Highland Cemetery in Eddyville. In lieu of flowers, an open memorial has been established to the family to be determined at a later date. Melvin’s family would like to offer special thanks to Unity Point Hospice; the caring staff at ManorCare, especially his nurse, Jane; and the staff at Cedar River Tower Apartments, Brad, Shelby, and Steve.