David (Dave) Loen Jenkins

David “Dave” Leon Jenkins, late of Corsicana, Texas, and Galax, Virginia, passed peacefully on March 26, 2025, in Waco, Texas, surrounded by his loving family after a long and bravely endured illness.

Born August 16, 1940, in Sikeston, Missouri, Dave was one of eight children of Ike and Opha Brooksie Barker Jenkins. In 1946, the Jenkins family relocated to Raymondville, Texas, where Dave came of age and, as anyone who knew him might expect, became a skilled horseman with a natural touch.

At 18, Dave joined the U.S. Navy, hoping to see the world—and he found it, not in some far-off port, but while on liberty from the Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There, he met Carole Ann Thomas, the love and light of his life. The two married on December 2, 1961, and together built a life rooted in adventure, grit, and deep affection.

Their early years took them across the American West, with Dave working as a horse trainer and Carole studying to become a nurse-midwife. In 1978, Dave began breeding American Quarter Horses, and by 1982 had put down roots in Corsicana, Texas, where he made his name—and his fortune—training championship Cutting Horses. Together, they raised three children and nurtured a love of Bluegrass and Americana music.

In retirement, Dave and Carole split their time between Texas and their cherished second home in Galax, Virginia, overlooking Felts Park—home to the Old Fiddlers Convention, the oldest and largest old-time music festival in America. Each year during the festival, they opened their doors to musicians, friends, and wanderers from around the country and the world. Their porch became a sanctuary, where music flowed freely, the food was always hot, and the company unmatched. If you left their home hungry, it was your own fault.

Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carole Ann Jenkins, and his daughter, Jonell Jenkins White. He is survived by two daughters, Stacie Jenkins and Carrie Jenkins Todd; four grandchildren, Shane and Tara Todd and Jacob and Lucas White; and his beloved sisters, Elizabeth Conary and Brenda Baldridge.

Dave never met a stranger. His generosity was as wide as the Texas plains, and his love for Carole spilled out and warmed everyone around them, like a wood stove on a cold morning. His personal motto was “Always think around the corner” and we take comfort in knowing that’s exactly where Carole has been waiting for him.

Per his wishes, a visitation, service or memorial will not be held. Dave and Carole’s ashes will be scattered together, high on a mountain overlooking the Blue Ridge they came to call home. In that view, in that music, in that love—they will always be with us. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to the Wayne C. Henderson Scholarship Fund, which helps aid musicians in their musical exploration and education: waynehenderson.org/scholarship