Ralph Jenks

Services will be held 3:00 P.M. Monday, April 18, 2011 at Metropolitan Baptist Church located at 7201 W. Britton Road, Oklahoma City, OK. Grover Ralph Jenks, beloved husband of Doris, and father of Karen Parks, Kristy Rohm and Kathy Hermansen, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, April 13th. Ralph was born in Oklahoma City on May 28, 1924, to Grover and Celia Jenks. His parents and brother, Eldon, and sister, Irene, preceded him in death. He attended Central High School, graduating in 1942, before attending University of Oklahoma and Texas A&M. He served as a pilot in the US Army Air Corp in World War II, landing on Omaha Beach the week after D-day. He loved to tell the stories of his experiences as a "Flyboy", ferrying planes from various bases throughout Europe to the front lines. During his service, he flew more than 14 different aircraft, including the P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter, the P-51 Mustang, the P-38 Lightning and the C-47. He was confident of his flying ability. We heard him say many times, "I could fly the crates they came in!" He married Doris Huffman on April 1, 1946, and celebrated 65 years of marriage this year. He and Doris raised three daughters, and are the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren, Kate Parks Skarsten, (Amman, Jordan),Thomas Parks (Aspen, Colorado) , Daniel Parks (Chicago Illinois), Scott Rohm, Julie Rohm, Sandy Hermansen, Jennifer Hermansen(Nashville, TN), and Kevin Hermansen. Ralph also was able to meet his two great grandchildren, Naomi Skarsten (who sings a very good version of Oklahoma!) and Luke Skarsten. Poppi, (as he was known to the next generation) loved the young people in his life! There were many others that he considered his "kids" and they also are part of his legacy. In civic, business and church affairs Ralph has been a dedicated and inspirational leader for many years. He was a man who lived a life of integrity and commitment. Ralph was the same man in every sphere of his life. He retired from the presidency of Cato Oil and Grease Company in 1990. He achieved a record of 54 years of perfect attendance as an active participant and leader of the downtown Rotary International Club, where he served as President and was named a Paul Harris Fellow. He served as Program Chairman for Men"™s Dinner Club for many years and loved the opportunity to meet and entertain the many speakers with his stories of Oklahoma City and why it was the best place in the world to live! His in-laws, Claude and Opal Huffman, often called him the "unofficial mayor of OKC!" He served in leadership positions for many other professional associations as well. Ralph was active as Elder, Deacon, teacher, and committee Chairman, at Metropolitan Baptist Church for more than 40 years. His faith defined his life and his spiritual commitment left an impact on many lives. After his debilitating stroke in August, 2008, Ralph continued to demonstrate his steadfast faith in God. His response to questions about his health was often answered with "God is good, all the time". Even when he was silent and still, he knew there was purpose and meaning in his life. The family appreciates the kind and compassionate care Ralph received at Bradford Village and through Crossroads Hospice during the last two years of his life. He was greatly loved and admired by his family, friends, and many young people who all called him Poppi. We will miss him but look forward to being with him in heaven. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts to one of Ralph"™s favorite cause: the Missions or Building Fund at Metropolitan Baptist Church, The Rotary International Foundation, or MOPS International. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Ralph Jenks please visit our Sympathy Store.