Truman Beecher Jenkins, 97, of Iuka passed away peacefully, Monday, September 21, 2026, at Centralia Manor. He was born on April 8, 1929, in Salem, the son of Orval and Dora Mae (Scott) Jenkins. He married the love of his life, Colleen Young on June 3, 1950. The couple shared 68 years of unconditional love, before Colleen’s passing on May 14, 2019.
Survivors who will hold dear memories of a life lived well include his beloved family, daughter, Carol Jones- Griffin and husband Carl Griffin of Carlyle; son, Allen Jenkins and wife Julie of Sarasota, FL; grandchildren, Stephanie Perez and husband Blake, Gregory Jones and wife Mary, Dusten Jenkins, Noah Beecher Phoenix, Rebekah Bealefeld and husband John, Bethany Silas and husband Adam, Seth Adkins and wife Angela, Yandell Phillips and husband Jeff, Brein “Mandy” Daugherty, and Casey Murray and husband Shaun; great grandchildren, Silas Truman, Mackenzie, Lucas, Sydnie, Shiloh, Sean, Anna Belle, Ariana, Asher, Olivia, Abigail, Madison, Damion, Ashley, and Baylor; special nephew, Ron Pitts and wife Diane of Salem; sister-in-law, Sandra Jenkins; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
Along with his beloved wife, Colleen Jenkins, Truman was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Dora Mae Jenkins; siblings, Marvin Jenkins, Freita Link and husband Harry, and Barbara Jean Grogg and husband Kenneth.
Truman served with pride in the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed sharing stories of leaving home to travel to San Francisco for boot camp, then going to Supply School in North Carolina before being stationed in Miami. Those memories of his time as a Marine remained special to him, and he knew that once a Marine, always a Marine. Truman was a man who believed in working hard and taking care of the people he loved. He spent many years working as a forklift operator for Sealed Air, where his strong work ethic and dependability were a reflection of the kind of man he was. Truman was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church in Iuka, where his faith was an important part of his life.
When he wasn’t working, some of Truman’s happiest times were spent outdoors and with his family. He enjoyed mushroom hunting in the woods and loved fishing with his grandchildren. Truman especially enjoyed watching the grandkids ride four-wheelers, grateful for the joy in seeing them have fun and make memories together. Above all, Truman was a devoted husband who loved his wife dearly. Throughout their marriage, he cared for her with patience, love, and devotion. When she needed extra care, he was there for her, giving without hesitation. He leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories. Truman was deeply loved, and he will be deeply missed.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Pastor Jim Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Iuka Cemetery. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the visitation from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home in Centralia on Monday, October 5. Memorials may be made to the Rock Church CIY. Online condolences and memories of Truman may be shared with his family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.
