Melvin K. Jenkins, 91, of Gassaway peacefully passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021 at his daughter’s home surrounded by family.

He was born July 20, 1930 in Gilmer County, WV to the late Albert C. and Golda E. VanHorn Jenkins.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Audrey Thelma Greathouse Jenkins; daughter, Donnis Jenkins; infant brother, Albert Jenkins; granddaughter, Nova Bender.

Melvin grew up on his parents farm with his only brother, Layne, in Normantown, WV where he learned the value of hardwork, tending to livestock, hayfields, and whatever needed to be done during those difficult years shortly after the Great Depression.  He served in the US Army with the 300^th AFA BN during the Korean War.  After his military service Melvin attended trade school for auto mechanics and welding.  Melvin worked many jobs throughout his life. He was a welder during the construction of Interstate 79 and mechanic, welder, and rock truck driver for multiple coal companies for many years in Southern West Virginia.  He retired from the coal mines in the 90’s only to return back to work as a mechanic for a local sawmill and also worked as a custodian at Braxton County Memorial Hospital into his late 60’s.  Melvin was known around the county as the man that could fix most anything and most people would seek him out and he would gladly help and ask for nothing in return.  In his golden years he enjoyed sewing quilts, working in his garden, canning fruits and vegetables, and tending to his apple trees and multiple bee hives.  Melvin loved square dancing all over the state but especially at the Folk Festival with his best friend, Doris Gerwig, his cousin, Charlie (who was more like a brother to him), and Charlie’s wife, Wilda, who were all members of the Gilmer County Stardust Dancers.  Melvin always had a calm demeanor, quick witted joke at the ready, and you would never hear him complain or say a negative word about anyone.   He was there when you needed him, steady and true to his word and commitment to friends and family.  As most West Virginians are, he was a huge Mountaineer fan.  He loved family gatherings with his wife, Audrey, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren where his green beans with bacon were in high demand. Melvin was a born again Christian and baptized member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church.  His infectious smile and laugh will be greatly missed.

He will be forever remembered by his children, Sherry Smith and husband, Ted, of Servia, Lisa Bender and husband, Bob, of Ohio, Amy Frame and husband, Jerry, of Sutton and Keith Jenkins and wife, Kerrianne, of Frederick, Maryland; grandchildren, Crystal, Mandy, Shane, Ashley, Trey, Dakota, Heather, Bobby, Macy, Logan, Kody, Tyler, and Olivia; and brother, Layne Jenkins of Stumptown.  Melvin is also survived by 16 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 P.M. Saturday, November 20, 2021 and 1 to 2 P.M. Sunday, November 21^st at Roach Funeral Home, Gassaway, WV.

Funeral service will be 2 P.M. Sunday the 21^st at the funeral home with Pastor Richard Westfall officiating.

Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Normantown, WV.

The family would like to thank WV Aging and WV Caring for their loving compassionate care.  A special thank you to Sandy Cogar.  You were so much more than a caregiver, you treated Daddy as if he was your dad.  We will be forever grateful.

Words of comfort and fond memories may be extended to the family at www.roachfuneralhome.com