Keith William Jenkins

Keith William Jenkins, 73, of Emporia, KS passed away Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, surrounded by his wife, children, and grandchildren. What a grace it is that God called him home on a day he spent his whole life worshipping Him.

He was born on November 3, 1952, in Tallahassee, FL, the son of Merlin Lambert and Essie (Searcy) Jenkins. He graduated from Stevenson High School in 1971. On June 16, 1972, Keith was united in marriage to Elizabeth Nicholson, and the family grew to include their 3 daughters.

Keith was loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was loving, kind, and generous to all. A skilled craftsman, Keith could build a house from the ground up and approached everything he did with great care and precision. His love for God, his family, and his friends was unshakable. An extraordinary pianist with a true heart for worship, he touched countless lives.

Preceding Keith in death are his parents, Merlin and Essie Jenkins; and brother, James Harold Jenkins. His legacy of faith, love, and family are carried forward by his wife of almost 54 years, Elizabeth May Jenkins of Emporia, KS; three daughters and sons-in-law, Melisa Ann & T.R. Stewart, Jennifer Lynn & Mark Hover, and Elizabeth May & Devin LaFreniere; sister, Sarah Alice Kawa; brother, Kent Wescott Jenkins; 16 grandchildren and 5 (soon to be 7) great-grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Life for Keith will be held Friday, April 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Life Church of Emporia, 1801 Graphic Arts Rd. Inurnment will be at Maple Wood Memorial Lawn Cemetery, Emporia, KS. 

Keith will forever remain in our hearts and will be deeply missed. Until we meet again, walking the streets of gold.