Donald Ray Jenkins

Donald Ray Jenkins, affectionately known by family and close friends as "Don Juan" or "Bucky", was born to Robert Roosevelt Jenkins and Juanita Jenkins on July 15, 1957, in Gary, Indiana.

Donald graduated from Roosevelt High School and entered the workforce immediately afterwards. He dedicated 23 years of service to Union Tank Car Company before venturing into real estate investing, where he successfully operated DRJ Properties for the past 28 years.

While Donald took great pride in his professional accomplishments, nothing meant more to him than the beautiful family he built alongside his soulmate and the love of his life, Mrs. Cathy Jenkins. For 46 wonderful years they shared an unbreakable bond, including 41 years of marriage filed with love partnership, friendship, and devotion.Through this union, they welcomed four beautiful children, Gene, Amanda, LaDona, and Bryant.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Juanita Jenkins; his sisters, Carol and Anita; and his beloved granddaughter, Breanna.

Donald's loving memory will be cherished by his loving and devoted wife, Cathy Jenkins; four loving children, Gene, Amanda, LaDona, and Bryant; ten beloved grandchildren, Taiyahn, Tahmeia, Tristan, J'Shawn, Jordan, Joshua, Mya, Bryant, Jr., Breanna, and Isiah; two great-grandchildren, Juelz and Josiah; eight siblings, Arlene (William), Veleta, LaVerne, Cynthia, Birda, Marion, Robert, Jr., and Gloria; and a host of other relatives and dear friends.

FAVORITE QUOTE - TOOK A LONG TIME TO GET A BODY LIKE THIS !

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. with Homegoing Services 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408.  Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery 4401 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408. Eulogist Apostle Rudy Gray, Officiant, Pastor Phillip Burks, Jr.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald Ray Jenkins, please visit our floral store.