Thomas Elmer Jenkins, 78, of Caseyville, Ill., born Nov. 13, 1932, in East St Louis, Ill., went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 2, 2011, at his home.



Mr. Jenkins was a devoted family man, Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed repairing lawn mowers and fishing. Tom served in the Korean War and worked for Burlington-Northern Railroad until his retirement in 1988. He was a 50-year member of the Hollywood Heights Volunteer Fire Department where he served as assistant chief and chief. He was also a member of the American Legion Post No. 365 in Collinsville, Ill.



Tom attended the First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, Ill. Known to those who loved him as Tom, Tommy, T.J., Red, Dad and Grandpa. Always willing to help anyone and first to risk his life to save another many times.



He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Cletus, nee McDonald, Jenkins; brothers, Edward, Timothy, and James Enright; sisters, Josephine Enright Koritta and Loretta Jenkins Mayville; and one son, Samuel Thomas Jenkins.



Surviving are his wife, Leanna, nee Robbins, Jenkins of Caseyville, Ill.; two daughters, Jeri L. Beil of Caseyville, Ill., and Jill L. (Nicholas) Arconati of St Louis, Mo.; one son, John S. Jenkins of Fairview Heights, Ill.; his loving grandchildren, James T. Beil, Jason "J.J." Beil, both of Caseyville, Ill., Brooke L., Ashley N., and Danielle D. Arconati of St Louis, Mo.; a sister, Mary McCurdy of Florida; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.



The family requests memorials be made to the Hollywood Heights Volunteer Fire Department or to a charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to www.herrfuneral.com.



Visitation: Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday July 6, 2011, at the Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Ill.



Funeral: Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 7, 2011, at the funeral home with Pastor Bryan Webb officiating. Interment in Lake View Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Fairview Heights, Ill.