Ricky Eugene Jenkins (Rick), age 60, of McLouth, KS, passed away on June 8, 2025, at 12:01 PM at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas after a courageous battle with chronic illness.
Rick was born on May 23, 1965, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas, to James Eugene Jenkins and Eva Ruth Bryant.
Rick found great joy and purpose in his work as a heavy machine operator, where he occassionally uncovered fascinating pieces of history while digging—like old medicine bottles—that sparked his curiosity. He was passionate about restoring cars, working on guns, enjoying classic Westerns, and creating magical moments for those he loved.
He was preceded in death by his father, James Eugene Jenkins, and his beloved grandparents, Paul Cleveland Jenkins Sr. and Carrie Katherine Jenkins (Rogers), Francis Eugene Bryant and Ruth Marie Bryant (Zimmerli).
Rick is survived by his devoted mother, Eva Ruth Nichols (Bryant) and Stepfather, Charles Nichols of Ozawkie, KS; two sisters, Kelly Jenkins and Cheryl Sloan (Jenkins), both of Lawrence, KS; Niece, Jessica McMillin of Lawrence, KS; Stepmother, Rochelle Jenkins (Burgett) of Edmond, OK; one son, Dustin Weeks of McLouth, KS; and one daughter Misti Scheib (Jenkins) and her husband Hunter of Owasso, OK; and two treasured grandchildren, Everick and Caelan Scheib, also of Owasso, OK.
A gentle soul, Rick’s heart overflowed with tenderness for life’s simple and profound beauties. He cherished sunsets and sunrises, the calm of lakes, and the shelter of trees. He was known for his kindness, often taking in stray animals and giving them a loving home. Rick created special memories for his children—building a basketball court that he transformed into an ice rink during winter, carving forts into cedar trees, and digging igloos in the freezing cold.
Though Rick was soft-spoken, his actions spoke volumes. Every fireworks show he hosted, every Christmas gift he worked tirelessly to provide, and every call he answered to help friends and family with a broken-down car were testaments to his boundless love and unwavering presence.
Despite the hardships life brought, Rick’s spirit remained unbroken. He was a true example of resilience, generosity, and selflessness.
Rick’s love and light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
In accordance with his wishes, no public services will be held. To honor his memory, the family invites those who wish to pay tribute to consider memorial donations to causes close to his heart: the Leavenworth County Humane Society (lchsinc.org) to celebrate his love for animals or the NRA Foundation (nrafoundation.org/donate) in recognition of his passion for firearms and the Second Amendment.
Rest in peace, Rick. Your legacy of love, joy, and quiet strength lives on.
So many fond memories of my friend and co-worker, “Big Daddy” … what we all called him at work. Rick made me feel welcome when I first started JW Contractors. He showed me how to operate the machinery that was all new to me, back hoes etc. Rick collected old bottles he would find while digging and it was always cool to find one for him. Rick was tough as nails ( wore a T-shirt in winter ) with the kindest soul. You will be missed my friend. See you on the other side.
So sorry to hear this. Have fond memories of growing up with Ricky in North Lawrence. Rest in peace brother.
Always had fond memories of our childhood together, you were a great friend and I am so blessed to have known you. See you on the other side my brother!
I went to School with Rick, South Junior High in Lawrence Ks, he was kinda quiet as I remember a nice guy though. R.I.P
I lived down the street from Ricky as a kid. He was the coolest teenager on the block with his motorcycle. I remember when his Dad was I believe a deputy sheriff, maybe a Lawrence police officer. I can’t remember which one, I just remember him in uniform sometimes when I was at their house visiting. One day while Rick was melting lead to pour fishing anchors. I begged him to let me pour the lead into the molds. He was about 5yrs older than I was at the time. I’d say he was probably 16 or maybe 17. Anyway, I begged him to let me pour the lead, but he was worried I might burn myself. Well to his surprise, he went into the house for something, but meanwhile I decided I would turn his burner on and do me some manufacturing of fishing weights. Well unfortunately my skills weren’t quite honed in the same way as Ricky’s. To sum it all up, I waisted all of his fuel and melted the lead into to a big black clump! Needless to say, when Ricky caught me in action, he put his dad’s hand cuffs on me and made me promise not to mess with his stuff again. But, of course he was just playing with me, and then literally spent the afternoon teaching me how to make them right. The last time I seen Ricky, he came to visit me in the hospital after a motorcycle accident in 1987. Fly high Ricky!
My wonderful father. I love you so very much. I will forever cherish our time together these last several months growing closer through your hospital stays and bantering back and forth about the little things like hospital food, bad TV shows, why lunch comes just as soon as you have had breakfast, and the worm like movement of the hospital airmattresses. I know you fought as hard as you could, but now you can finally rest. My heart aches and I will miss you deeply. But I will make sure my boys grow up knowing of you and keeping your legacy alive. Rest in peace daddy.
Rick you are loved by so many and will be missed so much. Until we see each other again. ❤️
What a great person he was