Eldred Wycliffe “E.W.” Jenkins, age 69, of Russellville, passed away Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at his home. He was born March 21, 1957, in Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada, to Ernest Jenkins and Ivy Watkins. After years of illness and pain, E.W. is now healed and pain-free.

E.W. spent his childhood in Summerford, Newfoundland, where he enjoyed playing ice hockey, swimming, fishing, working, and spending time with friends and family. He later left Canada to attend Zion Bible Institute in Rhode Island, where he earned his degree in pastoral ministries and, more importantly, met Lois, his best friend and the love of his life.

E.W. and Lois returned to Twillingate, Newfoundland, where they served in ministry and grew from a couple into a family of five. Throughout their life together, E.W. led his family on adventure after adventure, faithfully following God’s direction for their lives. Their journey took them to Toronto, Ontario; Schuylerville and Fort Plain, New York; Dunn, North Carolina; Cairo, New York; Kissimmee, Florida; Madison, Ohio; Russellville, Arkansas; and many places in between. Everywhere they went, they made friends, met people who became family, and created memories that would last a lifetime.

For E.W., ministry was never confined to the walls of a church or the hours of a Sunday service. It was simply the way he lived his life. He had a heart for the lost and welcomed those in need without hesitation or judgment. If someone needed clothing, he would give them the clothes off his own back. If someone was hungry, there was always a place for them at his table and food to share. And if someone needed a safe place to stay, E.W. opened his door. Whether he had a spare bed, a cot, or simply a couch to offer, he made room. His home became a refuge for many, and no one in need was ever made to feel less than or like they were a burden.

Throughout his years in ministry, E.W. became much more than a pastor to many of the people he encountered. He was called a “father to the fatherless” and became a pillar of strength to new believers finding their way in faith. He offered guidance to those who needed direction, encouragement to those who were struggling, and compassion to people who simply needed to know that someone cared. His door, his home, and his heart were always open. He did not merely preach about loving and serving others—he lived it.

E.W. cherished the people in his life and truly never met a stranger. He loved to sing, read, and write, and music was a constant part of his life. It seemed there was no instrument he couldn’t play. From the harmonica and tambourine to the guitar, violin, keyboard, drums, even the accordion, which he hated - but played beautifully, if you handed E.W. an instrument, he would find a way to make music with it.

He always had a joke to tell or a funny story to share. He had a gift for putting those around him at ease and brought a sense of peace wherever he went. Above all else, E.W. loved his family. His wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren were his greatest treasures, and the love he had for them was evident in everything he did.

Those left to cherish his memory include the love of his life, Lois Jenkins; two daughters, Samantha Jenkins (Paul Olsen) and Rebecca Perkins (Jacob); his sister, Olga DeVeau (Glen); five grandchildren, Logan, Paulie, Eliana, Nathan, and Azalia; his beloved furbaby and service dog, Ginger; and many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by his.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Ivy; his eldest daughter, Crystal Jenkins; and his sister, Velma Wheeler.

Though his journey carried him far from the shores of Newfoundland, through countless towns, churches, friendships, and adventures, E.W. leaves behind a legacy of faith, laughter, music, generosity, kindness, and, above all, love. His was a life measured not simply by the places he went or the sermons he preached, but by the people he loved, the lives he touched, and the faith he lived along the way.

His life was not without struggle, heartache, or loss, particularly in his later years. Yet through it all, the faith that guided E.W. throughout his life remained the foundation he passed on to his family. That faith—the same faith he preached, lived, and demonstrated through his love for others—is now part of the legacy he leaves behind. It is the faith he instilled in his wife, his children, and his grandchildren, and it is that faith that will carry them through the sorrow of losing him and into the days ahead.

In accordance with E.W.’s wishes, there will be no formal public service or viewing. His family will gather privately to honor and celebrate his life. An additional memorial will be held in New York at a later date before E.W. makes one final journey home to Newfoundland—the place where his story began.

For those wishing to honor E.W. in a special way, the family welcomes contributions toward “Taking E.W. Home”—his final journey back to Newfoundland, the place where his story began.

Donations may be made through the family’s GoFundMe link below in lieu of flowers.

Honoring E.W.'s Final Journey Home to Newfoundland: https://gofund.me/355d4ed25