Robert Michael Jenkins
Robert Michael Jenkins, 73, of Branson, MO, formerly of Springfield, MO, October 11, 1947 - November 11, 2020.Robert Michael Jenkins was born in Springfield, Missouri,
October 11, 1947. He died from a heart attack November 11, 2020, in Branson,
Missouri.
Michael is survived by his sister Pam Hines of Albuquerque,
New Mexico; three daughters; grandchildren, a nephew, and many nieces. Michael
was preceded in death by his father, George Jenkins; his mother A. Ruth Abbott;
his brother Timothy Jenkins.
Michael’s career spanned decades of service and
creativity. Working at Silver Dollar City in its earliest years, as a performer
and as Entertainment Director; traveling with the USO to Vietnam; serving as
Director of the Public Service Commission in Jefferson City with Democratic
Governor Joe Teasdale and Republican Governor Kit Bond; owning an advertising
agency in Springfield, Missouri. Since the mid 1980’s Michael worked with
Ingram Enterprises, serving as General Manager at Sunset Cove in Branson and
working with Ingram’s other interests that include Fireworks Over America, one of the
largest importers and distributors of consumer fireworks in the United States.
During those years Michael continued creating and sharing
his love of entertainment. His Radio Café
Hour, a live radio show with a café audience, hosted legendary entertainers
like Johnny Cash, Mel Tillis, Tony Orlando, Charley Pride, Glen Campbell, and many
more. Michael was a consummate Mark Twain entertainer and scholar. He was
invited to the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Connecticut, as a guest writer.
His extensive knowledge and understanding of Twain led to his on-stage
creation, Mississippi Love, which
starred Debby Boone.
Articulate and quick-witted, Michael was a grand storyteller. He often seemed larger than life. Those close to him will tell you Michael could be as frustrating as he was funny, as caring as he was creative. Michael took care of his mother the last several years of her life. Those who knew her understand where Michael got his quick wit.
His focus on the job at hand was unwavering. Michael is
going to be missed. He will be remembered with love, with admiration, with
smiles … and with the occasional roll of the eyes.
All family and friends are invited to a graveside service
at Ozarks Memorial Park Cemetery in Branson, MO, December 5, 2020, at 3 p.m.
The gravesite is on the East side of the cemetery. In lieu of flowers,
donations can be made to the Branson Regional Arts Council. https://bransonarts.org/. Arrangements and cremation are
under the direction of Cremations of the Ozarks. To leave an online condolence,
please visit www.cremationsoftheozarks.com.