Fremont T. "Monty" Jenkins, 79, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully after an extended illness on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at 8:32 a.m. at Goshen General Hospital, surrounded by the quiet assurance of love and prayer.

He was born on Independence Day, July 4, 1946, in South Bend, Indiana, to the late Fremont and Mae (Sellers) Jenkins—a fitting day for the birth of a man whose life would come to embody the very ideals of freedom, courage, and sacrifice. In 2000, Monty married his sweetheart, Lucy L. (Corsentino) Libert, in Warsaw, Indiana. For the past twenty-five years, they shared a steadfast love marked by laughter, companionship, and faith. Lucy survives him at home, comforted by a lifetime of cherished memories and the knowledge that Monty is now at peace in God's eternal care.

In addition to his beloved Lucy, Monty is survived by his stepsons, Nick Libert of Chicago, Illinois, and Bart Libert of Goshen, along with a wide and loving circle of extended family, lifelong friends, and those fortunate enough to have crossed paths with him along life's winding road. Of course, Monty's faithful little tan Schnauzer-Pom, "Charley," his constant sidekick and best buddy, remains behind—still looking for him in all the familiar places, and missing him deeply.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Violett Cemetery, 2818 Violett Road, Goshen. Military rites will be rendered by the Goshen Veterans Funeral Honor Guard and the Northern Indiana Chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders. Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been entrusted with arrangements.

Monty's military career was a point of deep pride and humility. He served valiantly during the Vietnam War in both the United States Navy and the United States Army—an uncommon and extraordinary distinction. His first three service tours took him aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41), where he witnessed the intensity of war from the deck of one of America's most storied vessels. Later, he would answer the call again, serving in the U.S. Army, continuing to place duty above self. He was wounded in combat during his fourth tour of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart for his sacrifice and valor.

Although Monty rarely spoke of his time overseas—preferring quiet reflection to storytelling—those closest to him knew that he had been part of the Navy's "Brown-Water Navy", a unit of brave men who navigated Vietnam's perilous rivers in small patrol boats under constant threat. The courage and resilience required of such service left an indelible mark on him, shaping the quiet strength, loyalty, and compassion that defined his character in the years to come.

After returning home, Monty built a life grounded in hard work, integrity, and gratitude. A gifted pattern maker in the automotive industry, he poured his creativity and precision into his trade, finding beauty and satisfaction in craftsmanship. His fascination with cars—especially Ford F-150s and classic models—was more than a hobby; it was a passion. Later, as the owner and operator of his own multi-truck CDL transport business, Monty lived out his belief that "if your job involves what you love, then you never work a day in your life."

Faith was the cornerstone of Monty's life. A devoted Christian, he found purpose in serving others and sharing God's grace wherever he went. One of his greatest joys was his involvement in prison ministry, where he met men in need of hope and redemption and offered them both. Monty believed deeply in second chances, and his compassion and authenticity touched countless hearts behind those walls.

In his quieter moments, Monty expressed himself through art—painting, drawing, and sketching scenes that reflected both his imagination and the world as he saw it. He also enjoyed playing pool, cheering for his favorite football teams, woodworking, and surrounding himself with music. His eclectic taste in songs seemed to mirror the richness of his own journey; there was always a melody playing that fit the moment perfectly.

Those who knew Monty often remarked that he had "lived a thousand lives." From sailor to soldier, craftsman to entrepreneur, artist to mentor, husband to friend—he embraced each chapter with courage and grace. Through it all, he remained humble, kind-hearted, and steadfast in faith.

Monty Jenkins lived as he served: with quiet strength, steady hands, and a heart anchored in love and loyalty. His was a life well-lived, filled with purpose, faith, and the kind of dignity that endures long after a man's final sunset.