St George, Utah – Claude J. Jenkins, age 97, died January 5, 2023, at his home in St. George, UT.  He was born September 16, 1925, in Newton, UT to Moroni and Mary Jenkins.

Claude was the youngest of four children, with two sisters and one brother. After graduating from North Cache High School, he entered the Air Force in January 1944.  He was a member of the 385th Bombardment Group.  He was stationed in England and flew 29 bombing attacks over the toughest theater of aerial warfare in Europe to bomb several Nazi targets.

He graduated with a Master's Degree in Agronomy from Utah State University in June 1950.

Claude married Helen Griffin on June 1, 1950, in the Logan Temple.  They were married for 72 years before his passing.  They are the parents of six children.  He worked for Utah State University and Northern Arizona University as director of purchasing.  He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he served in many leadership positions including bishop and as a member of the stake presidency.  In 1995 Claude and Helen served on a mission to the Los Angeles Temple Visitor Center.  They also spent many years serving in the St. George Temple.  Every Thursday night Claude could be found at the recommend desk greeting all the temple patrons with a smile.

Many of his family vacations were spent at Lake Powell driving his boat and pulling kids around on tubes and water skis.  He was also an active water skier and an expert ski instructor, teaching all of his kids and many of their friends to ski.

After retiring, Claude and Helen moved from Flagstaff, AZ to St. George, UT.  There they had the opportunity to go on several cruises all over the world and many tours throughout the country.

Claude is survived by his wife, Helen; his children: Paula (Boyd) Mildenstein, David (Terrie) Jenkins, Denise Wallmann, Robyn (Jose) Cruz, Brad (Kathy) Jenkins, Jill (Steve) Perry; 19 grandkids; and 22 great-grandkids. He was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Peter Wallman and grandson, Matthew Wallmann.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 10:00 am in the Fort Pierce Chapel, 750 Fort Pierce Drive, St George, UT.  A visitation will be held on Saturday, prior to services, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am at the church. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, UT.

Livestreaming of services may be viewed at the following link: https://m.youtube.com/@bh4thward113

Claude Jenkins Service Program