Edwin Jenkins JR.

Edwin Jenkins Jr., 83, died peacefully in his sleep from heart failure on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Aldersgate Village in Topeka, KS, where he was rehabilitating from pneumonia. Ed was born on September 16, 1941, in Kansas City, the son of Edwin Sr. and Marcella Jenkins. He graduated from Northeast High School, Kansas City, and enlisted in the United States Airforce. Following his military service, Ed began his career at Household Finance in Kansas City. He married Janice M. Christiansen on October 16, 1963, and they shared 61 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1969, Ed accepted a position with Georgia Neece Gray at Capital City State Bank and moved his family to Topeka. When the bank changed ownership, he became Vice President at First State Bank in downtown Topeka. After more than two decades in banking, Ed became Director of Finance at Aldersgate Village and the United Methodist Homes. He deeply valued his work with the residents and staff, including his wife, Jan. Ed retired in 2002, and then enjoyed driving part-time for Assisted Transportation for five years.

A devoted father and grandfather, Ed loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events, including band concerts, scouting activities and sports games. He was an avid fan of K-State and Washburn athletics, and enjoyed traveling by train with Jan, attending performances at Topeka Civic Theatre, solving crossword puzzles and reading mysteries.

Ed is survived by his wife and devoted caregiver, Jan; his children, Jill (Curt) Sittenauer and Ed III (Jennie) Jenkins; four grandchildren, Jake (Sara) Sittenauer, Nicolas Jenkins, Will (Taylor) Sittenauer, and Abby Quint; and four great-grandchildren, Claire, Camryn, Caroline and Whit Sittenauer. He was preceded in death by his parents. As an only child, Ed was blessed with close relationships with his many cousins, who he stayed in contact with by mail and cherished phone conversations.

A memorial service for Ed will be Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 am at Penwell Gabel – Midtown Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka, KS 66604. Private inurnment will take place at a later time at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 171335, Kansas City, KS 66117 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.