Dewain Haderlie Jenkins

Dewain Haderlie Jenkins passed away on March 16, 2023, at the William E Christoffersen Veterans Home. He was born on September 13, 1930, at home in Freedom, Wyoming. He was the son of Denzil and Lafern Jenkins, the fifth of eight children. Dewain grew up in Star Valley, Wyoming, where he learned the value of hard work. He loved the outdoors. There was no place he’d rather be than hunting or fishing.

He married Carma Allred in the Idaho Falls Temple on August 22, 1951. They immediately moved to South Carolina where he was stationed in the Army. He later served in France. After Dewain was discharged, they moved to Centerville, Utah, where they spent the rest of their lives. They were blessed with six children: Cindy (Steve) DuBois, Kim (Michelle), Scott, Lisa, Curtis (Kelly, deceased), and Cory (Susan); 16 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Dewain loved the Gospel and served faithfully in many callings. His ward members were like family to him. These dear friends helped to make his last days easier.

Dewain knew how to do everything. He built his two homes and storage units. He could repair any vehicle or device. He was always willing to help anyone in need. He retired from the FAA where he worked on radar and computers.
Dewain worked hard, but he also played hard. He loved the water. When his children were at home, summers were spent camping and boating. He loved to travel. He and Carma traveled the world and always looked forward to the next trip. He had a passion for running. He was running marathons until he was 79 years old. He always won his age group because he was usually the only one left in that age group. He loved golfing with his friends. Even when he was no longer able to golf, his friends took him along in their golf cart.

He learned to fly planes when he was in his 20s and had his own plane until he was in his 80s. After he sold his plane, he developed a passion for skydiving. In the last nine years, he jumped 56 times. His last jump was in September to celebrate his 92nd birthday.  He was able to skydive with most of his children, grandchildren, one great-grandson and many friends.  He was always inviting friends to come skydive with him. 

Dewain loved his family. He adored his wife and has mourned her passing for the last 11 years. He looked forward to his reunion with Carma and his other loved ones who went before him. Dewain is survived by his children, grandchildren, brother Ardell and sister Yvonne Neuenschwander. He is predeceased by his parents, wife, brother Don, his sisters, Fay, May, Elda, and Ludene, and his daughter-in-law Kelly.

His funeral will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 25, 2023, at his church, Parrish Canyon Ward, 610 N. Rowland Way, Centerville, Utah. There will be no viewing. He will be buried in the Centerville City Cemetery.

We’d like to thank his many friends and relatives who visited him so faithfully. He looked forward to those visits and valued those friendships.

A very special thanks to Bailey, Jody, Barbara, Chelsea and all of the wonderful people at the William E Christoffersen Salt Lake Veterans Home, who provided him exceptional care, dignity and friendship during his last few days with us. And a final thank you to every veteran who has ever served and sacrificed for our country that Dewain so loved.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund or missionary fund. He would love it if you helped those in need.