Russell Jenkins

Olen Russell Jenkins, age 89 of Bastrop, Texas, passed away on Monday, November 3, 2025.

Russell was born June 5th, 1936, in Georgetown, Texas to the late Hassell Harrell Jenkins and Geneva Jenkins.

Russell graduated from Southwest Texas State College in 1963 and upon graduation, worked for the San Marcos Baptist Academy. While employed at the San Marcos Baptist Academy, he met his future wife, Mary Jo Jenkins (Mercer), who was a student at Southwest Texas State College.

Russell went on to become business manager for Houston Baptist University before he and Mary Jo settled in Bastrop, Texas where he continued to work as a business manager for various employers in the area. Russell was an avid rancher and sports fan of a wide variety of sports.

In addition to his parents, Russell was preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth Jenkins, two nephews, Michael Stanford and Jeffrey Jenkins and brother-in laws Terry Stanford and Jack Mercer.

Russell is survived by his wife of sixty years, Mary Jo Jenkins of Bastrop, a brother, Charles Jenkins (Debra) of Kerrville, a sister Geraldine Stanford of Georgetown, a sister-in law Nellie Jenkins of McAllen, a son Rusty Jenkins (Heidi) of Smithville, a daughter Mary Katherine Higgins (David) of Pflugerville and grandchildren, Camden Higgins, Jordan Jenkins, Mia Jenkins, Joel Lemons and Jacob Lemons.

Funeral Services will Friday, November 21, 2025 at Marrs-Jones-Newby Funeral Home in Bastrop, Texas. Family and friends will gather from 10:00am to 11:00am and the service will begin at 11:00am. 

A private family burial will follow at a later date at the Fentress Community Cemetery in Fentress, Texas.