Alexander Wayne Jenkins, 71, of Westville, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2020 at Carle Hospital in Urbana. Per his wishes, Wayne will be cremated with a memorial visitation from 1-4pm Sunday, October 11, 2020 at Kruger-Coan-Pape Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams Street in Danville. IDPH guidelines regarding mandatory masks and social distancing will be upheld.
Wayne was born on August 17, 1949 to Alexander “Ecky” and Dolores “Babe” (Houston) Jenkins in Danville, and grew up in Chicago. Wayne was a life long musician, a song writer and released 3 CD’s. He performed with many local along with national recording artists, as well as toured the United States and Canada. He traveled from Chicago to Hollywood California, and lived in many places including Los Angeles and Nashville. He was a mentor to many musicians, and also loved to work on his and others guitars. He played regularly at the Lamplighter, the Back-Door Lounge, and just about every club in Vermilion County. He also played for 7 years in a row at the Illinois State Fair. His last band was Alex Jenkins and the Bombers. Wayne won the Windy City Blues Challenge with brother Ben and the Peoria Blues & Heritage Challenge with brother Tim, and was invited to compete in the International Blues Challenge held on Beale Street in Memphis two years in a row. He landed in the top 80 blues bands in the world out of hundreds.
Wayne loved to travel with his wife Dawn, and was looking forward to going to the Viva Las Vegas Car Show next year. He enjoyed eating out, vintage cars and going to car shows. He loved his cats Molly, Mama Cat, Tom & Jerry, and dog JuJu. He loved spending time with his children, brothers, and families telling stories. Wayne retired from Crosspoints Human Services. He traveled all over, but always considered the Westville area home.
Wayne married Dawn Foehrer in November 2007, after a long time relationship together. Dawn survives, as well as 5 children from previous marriages: Dawn, Alex Jr., Angie, Alli, and Jimi; along with Dawns 6 children whom he considered his own: David, Terisa, Ryan, Sami, Tami, and Monique; Brothers, Don (Donna), Ben (Susie), Tim (Lisa), and Jess (Dena); brother-in-law Tim; step siblings: Bobby, Linda, and Bill.; Grandchildren: Aaron, Kaysie, Payton, Alyson, Aiden, Sophie, Arlana, Aerisa, Tyreese, Kalyssa, Kamilla, Alex, Andrew, Levi, Gunner, and Kylie; and 1 aunt Mary, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Beverly, sister Cindy Holliman; step-brother Danny; and step-granddaughter Ryleigh Arnett.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any Animal Shelter or Musician Fund. Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on Kruger-Coan-Pape Funeral Home Facebook page.
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