Arden R. Jenkins, 72, a humble farmer of rural South Whitley farmer, died at 5:20 p.m. Monday, August 9, 2021, at his home.

Born September 9, 1948, in Warsaw, Indiana, he was a son of the late Everett I. and Wretha E. (Montel) Jenkins. Growing up in Kosciusko County, he completed elementary school at Sidney and graduated from South Whitley High School in 1966.

On October 20, 1979, he married Treeca L. Piebenga. They have always made their home in rural South Whitley.

A career-long farmer, he was passionate about the farm operation. He liked being a farmer from his years of tending dairy cows or hogs to the family's grain operation. Enjoying the simple pleasures in life, he always found time for a pickup basketball game with his boys while doing his chores. The happiest times in his life were when all the boys worked together on the farm.

He and his wife looked forward to their regular trips to Paradise, Michigan, for some needed rest and relaxation.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Treeca; sons, Jarrad R. (Robin) Lancaster of South Whitley, Garth R. (Amy) Jenkins of Modoc, Heath R. (Marcy) Jenkins of DuBois, PA, Justin Lancaster of North Manchester, and Clint R. (Courtney) Jenkins of Winona Lake; 15 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; brothers, Robert L. Jenkins of South Whitley, Leonard A. (Barbara) Jenkins of Marion and Carl G. Jenkins of South Whitley.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by an infant son Stephen Jenkins and a sister-in-law Grace Jenkins.

The funeral service is 10 a.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial is at the South Whitley Cemetery. Visitation is 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to the Whitko FFA.