Roger Jenkins Obituary

Roger W. Jenkins

April 7, 1952 - October 7, 2025

Roger W. Jenkins, 73, of Sloan, Iowa passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Pleasant View Care Center, Whiting, Iowa.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the Community Church of Christ in Sloan, Iowa, with Pastor Kody Killian and Dr. Emery Killian, officiating. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Roger's obituary. Burial will follow in the Sloan Cemetery, Sloan, Iowa with Military Honors provided by the United States Air Force and Smith-Rhodes American Legion Post #295 of Sloan, Iowa. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.

Roger William was born on April 7, 1952, at the Onawa Hospital in Onawa, Iowa. He was the fifth of ten children born to Glenn and Alice (Byers) Jenkins. Roger grew up on the family farm in rural Sloan, where he learned the values of hard work and family. He attended Westwood Community School and graduated with the Class of 1970.

Roger proudly served in the United States Air Force beginning on July 22, 1972, and was honorably discharged on December 5, 1972. He was then transferred to the Air National Guard as a Service Ready Reservist to complete his military service. Following his time in the service, Roger began his career at the Co-op Elevator in Sloan, where he started as a laborer and later advanced to assistant manager before serving as branch manager for several years. After his successful career with the Co-op, he was employed at Knox Gelatin (now Gelita), where he worked for many years.

Roger and Blanche Hickmon-Clayton were united in marriage on January 4, 1975. Throughout their nearly forty-nine years together, they shared countless adventures and created many cherished memories. Roger learned to cook from Blanche, and some of the family's favorite dishes included his hearty chili, delicious cherry cheesecake, and the ever-popular "dog food dip." Their life together was filled with love, laughter, and the simple joys of sharing each other's company.

He loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing, boating, and bowling with family and friends. Roger was well known for his exceptional skill in meat processing. His smoked meats-like bacon, sausage, and pork chops were local favorites and a source of pride. A dedicated community member, he faithfully served as a member of the Sloan Cemetery board for many years, contributing his time and care to its upkeep.

Survivors include children who were like his own, Don Clayton, Kevin (Cathy) Clayton, Roxanne Hyden, and Jan (Steve) Hubert; daughter-in-law, Cathy Clayton; three brothers and four sisters, Glenn Jenkins, Jr., Phillip (Linda) Jenkins, Betty (Steve) Hickman, Charlotte Hemmrich, Lester (Jane) Jenkins, Karen Jenkins, and Leann Jenkins; along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Alice (Byers) Jenkins; wife, Blanche Hickmon-Clayton Jenkins; children like his own, Denny Clayton and Greg Clayton; daughter-in-law, Marlene Clayton; son-in-law, Bob Hyden; sister, Joann Jenkins; brother, Douglas Jenkins; and brother-in-law, Fred Hemmrich.

Condolences may be left online for the family at www.goslarfuneralhome.com.