Jack Allen Wenker

Jack Allen Wenker, age 80, of Abingdon, Va., passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. 

He was born March 14, 1944, to the late Elmer “Bud” Wenker and Rose L. Weiterschan Wenker in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was the second of four children. In his youth, he played baseball as a catcher. He would always say the catcher was “the most important position on the team.” His strong competitive nature carried with him throughout his life, playing all types of sports and games, which he’d usually win. But somehow, he’d get you to try it again. Jack served in the United States Army Special Forces as a Green Beret during the Vietnam War. He was top of his class in Morse Code and trained other soldiers in the secret language. Even later often calling back the “dots” and “dashes” with his children for amusement. He obtained a degree in Civil Engineering and had a career as Supervisor of Hazardous Waste and Metal Recycling from G.E. Aircraft. Jack married Donna Wenker with whom he shared two children as a proud and loving father. He was a talented carpenter, building a home for his family to grow up in. He had a brilliant mind for problem-solving and analytics, thriving in a challenge. Jack was also active in church as a ministry leader, coordinating sports and activities. As a gifted musician, he enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, and would find himself in different musical groups as a hobby, favoring southern gospel and classic country. Jack retired to the Tennessee Tri-Cities area roughly 15 years before his passing. His passion for competing drew him to the pickleball community, becoming an accomplished player and eventually winning State Championships. He maintained his independence and active lifestyle until the end. 

He is survived by two children, Steven Wenker and wife, Brittany, of Goshen, Ohio and Niki Storey and husband, Lynn, of Dallas, Texas; three siblings: Jerry Wenker and wife, Mary, of Alabama; Jim Wenker and wife, Joyce, of Ohio; and Melody Wood of Florida; and six grandchildren, Kelsey, Kadence, Kambrie, and Paxton Wenker, as well as Truitt and Everly Storey. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at New Harmony Methodist Church, 1445 New Harmony Shiloh Rd., Williamsburg, Ohio 45176, with Pastor Dale Campfield officiating. Perry Cremation & Funeral Alternatives is proudly serving the Wenker family. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at New Harmony Methodist Church, 1445 New Harmony Shiloh Rd., Williamsburg, Ohio 45176, with Pastor Dale Campfield  officiating.