DONALD RAY JENKS

Donald Ray Jenks, 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Avon Park, Florida, on February 10, 2026, following a brief illness.

He was born on September 30, 1935, in Vermillion County, Indiana, to Arvad and Blanche Jenks and was raised on a farm in Bowling Green, Indiana. He graduated from high school in 1953, where he was a standout basketball player.

Don cherished time with family and friends above all else. He especially cherished his wife, Barb, whom he lovingly called his “sweetie.” He loved the home-cooked meals she prepared for him and was grateful for the wonderful care, companionship, and love she gave him throughout their years together.

He enjoyed working jigsaw puzzles, watching westerns or ballgames and spending time outdoors, taking great pride in his yard. Known for his pristine lawn care, he often continued helping neighbors with theirs after moving to Florida. He was a lifelong fan of  Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball and the Cincinnati Reds. The statistics and trivia he retained over the years were nothing short of remarkable.

Don was a past president of the Terre Haute Horseshoe Club at Collett Park in Terre Haute, serving for many years. He was an avid horseshoe pitcher most of his adult life and tournament champion several times over. He was also proud to have made his daughters’ childhood dreams come true when he taught them how to ride and care for their own horses.

Although distance separated him from his grandchildren, he was always eager to keep up with their achievements and was immensely proud of their accomplishments and successes.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Jenks of Avon Park, Florida; his daughter, Lisa Jenks of Terre Haute, Indiana; his son-in-law, Robert Hinton of O’Fallon, IL, his stepchildren, Wayne Chenoweth (Lisa) of Clay City, IN, Bryan Chenoweth (Jody), and Lisa Akers (Jeff), all of Terre Haute, Indiana; Laurie Peters of Des Plaines, Iowa; and Kristen Stover (Dan) of Findlay, Ohio.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Darci Parker of Jeffersonville, Indiana; Shay Hinton; Brianna Spry (Tony) of St. Louis, Missouri; and Dylan McDaniel (Britteny) of Davenport, Florida; and his great-grandchildren, Jailynn Parker of Louisville, Kentucky; Jaxon Parker of Jeffersonville, Indiana; Kolten McDaniel of Jacksonville, Florida; and Braylan McDaniel of Davenport, Florida, along with numerous step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marta Hinton on August 22, 2024; his stepdaughter, Annetta Chenoweth on April 29, 2023; and his sister, Dorothy Schroer on November 12, 2020.

Per his wishes, Don will be cremated in Florida, and a memorial service will be held at a later date TBD in Terre Haute, Indiana.

He will be remembered for his steady presence, kind soul, his deep love of family, his competitive spirit, and the many stories and sports facts he could recite with ease. His legacy lives on in the memories he created and the lives he touched.

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