David D. Jenkins

David D. Jenkins, 78, of Waymart, died suddenly of natural causes on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at home. His loving wife, the former Patricia A. Christ, survives him.

Born in Waymart on February 9, 1948, he was the son of the late Duane G. and Marian (Keast) Jenkins. A lifelong member of the Waymart Presbyterian Church, Dave graduated from Waymart High School in 1966 and later earned an Associate Degree in Engineering for Drafting and Design Technology from Penn State University’s Scranton Campus in 1968.

For 47 years, Dave found joy and excitement behind the wheel of a race car. Racing was his life’s passion, and he passed that love of motors and speed on to his children. Known affectionately as Gentleman Dave and the Waymart Warrior, he earned the respect and admiration of his community.

Above all, Dave cherished his family. He treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren, who will always remember him as their hero. His legacy endures in the lives of all who were fortunate to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia; four children, Peggy Shaffer and her husband Jeff of Jefferson Township, Jennifer Benke and her husband Russell of Scranton, David Jenkins and his fiancée Amanda Crown of Waymart, and Billy Jenkins and his wife Melissa of Waymart; a sister, Cathy Gillette and her husband Ray of Mount Cobb; nine grandchildren, Nikki, Steven, Missy, Katie, Jessie, Russell, Ashley, Colton, and Konnor; and eight great-grandchildren, Emmett, Kara, Lyle, Vinny, Declan, Rowan, Grace, and Riley.