- Date Of Birth: January 29, 1924
- Date Of Death: May 28, 2017
- State: Michigan
Lawrence “Larry” Lavern Jenkins Sr. passed away peacefully on May 28, 2017 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on January 29, 1924 to parents Floyd and Samantha Viola (Turrell) Jenkins. Larry grew up in the Battle Creek area, residing at Woods Lake near Climax for 67 years.
After graduating from Battle Creek Lakeview High School in 1942; he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. Initially assigned as a sheet-metal smith, he was soon accepted into the Aviation Cadet Program, where he learned to fly the mighty B-17 “Flying Fortress”. He was assigned to the 96th Bomb Squadron stationed at Foggia, Italy where he completed 14 combat missions before being shot down over Vienna, Austria on July 16, 1944. Initially sited as “Missing in Action”, it was thirty days before his family got the notice that he was being held as a “Prisoner of War”. He was severely wounded by shrapnel, which broke both his legs and was then strafed and hit by gunfire during his parachute descent. He spent the next 10 months in German captivity (six of them in Stalag 17), confined to a bed. Larry underwent multiple procedures to save his legs.
He credits his youthful determination and the care of an Austrian nun, Sister Maria, with saving his life. His military awards and decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal (with I Oak Leaf Cluster), the Purple Heart, the POW Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, The American Campaign Medal, the ETO Campaign Medal (with one Battle Star), the World War II Victory Medal, and the British POW Medal. After being liberated by Russian forces, Larry was ultimately sent to Percy Jones Army Hospital in Battle Creek, Michigan. He spoke of what a blessed reunion it was when the elevator doors opened on the 13th floor and there stood his parents. He would spend the next two years there recovering from his wounds. His exploits were chronicled, along with those of his friend and fellow POW, Jack Curtis, in the 2007 book, “Eagles’ Wings, An Uncommon Story of World War II”, by Andrew Layton.
Although on crutches and with leg braces, he loved music and Dance Halls. He met his wife Peg (Margaret Roof) at Pine Creek Dance Hall one night where she was taking tickets. They were married on April 10, 1949. He and his wife Peg raised three children, Connie (1949-1987), Lawrence. Jr. and Roger.
He attended Jackson College and Albion College before embarking on a 30-year career as an Electronics Technician for RCA.
Larry regained the use of his legs and continued to fly single engine aircraft for many years. Among his favorite was the T-34. He also enjoyed building and flying R/C Aircraft. Other hobbies and interests included playing bridge, golf, fishing, oil painting, ham radio and enjoying family gatherings. Larry enjoyed an annual Fishing Trip to Canada for many years with his longtime friend and fellow POW, Jack Curtis. He loved his dogs. He, his wife Peg and their dog Buffy enjoyed many winters in Florida. A dedicated Patriot, he was a mainstay for many years on Stage for Memorial Day and Veterans Day Celebrations at Fort Custer. He also spent many years volunteering at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo.
He was preceded in death by his Mother Samantha Viola Smith and Step Father Lewis Smith. Also, his Sister Zella Gibbons and his daughter Connie. Surviving are his wife: Peggy; two sons: Lawrence Jr. (Martha) Jenkins and Roger (Carla) Jenkins; three grandchildren: Niki Morford, Kitty (Matt) Coburn and Jennifer (Paul Sann) Jenkins; nine great-grandchildren: Jackson, Nicholas and Gracie Morford and Mattison, Dylan, Holley, Lexi, Miley and Blake Coburn.
Peg wants the wonderful Heritage Staff to know how much she appreciates their loving and abundant hugs in sympathy since Larry’s passing.
