Charles Ingram “Bud” Jenkins, Sr.

Charles Ingram “Bud” Jenkins, Sr., age 95, of Newark, Delaware, passed away peacefully to be with the Lord at Christiana Hospital on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 after a sudden illness.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware on July 31, 1930, he was the son of the late Charles Henry and Esther Ingram Jenkins. He was a graduate of Brown Technical School in Wilmington, DE. Charles proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War, traveling throughout Europe repairing refrigeration and air conditioning systems.  He continued working as an HVAC Technician for the University of Delaware until he retired in 1990.

Bud was very involved in the community and in his children’s lives.  He was a Cub Scout and Webelos Leader, ensuring that even his daughter earned Webelos badges well before the Scout community realized equal opportunity for female Scouts.  He was an active member of Kingswood United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Men’s Association and taught Sunday school. He also coached many of his son’s basketball and baseball teams.

He loved doing yard work and gardening and was a local celebrity for his rose bushes. His MacGyver ways kept him maintaining his own home from floor to ceiling; HE was the one on his hands and knees repairing his dryer just a month before his death.

Bud was a huge Phillies fan. His grandchildren remember spending many afternoons listening to Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn broadcasting games on the radio.  He, Barb, and their son Charlie were also season ticket holders to University of Delaware Blue Hens football games.

Bud and Barb were snowbirds who have many excellent memories of spending time with friends and family in Florida during the winter.

Bud is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Barbara (Kembel) Jenkins, of Clarks Summit, PA; son, Charles I Jenkins, Jr; and his daughter, Susan Jenkins Campbell. He is survived by his grandchildren, Heather Ruth Egnor (Paul), James Michael Leithren, Jr., and Susan Elizabeth Leithren (Joel). He is survived by his great grandchildren James Leithren (Olivia), Mikenna Leithren, Keith Egnor, Noah Egnor, Jonas Egnor, and Ronin Crooks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, William, Robert, and John; sisters, Doris, Esther, and Shirley; and by his son, baby boy Jenkins.

A visitation for family and friends will be held from 12 pm until 1 pm on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE, where a funeral service will begin at 1 pm. Interment will be held privately at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a memorial contribution to Kingswood United Methodist Church, 300 Marrows Road, Newark, DE 19711.