Merrill C. “Butch” Jencks, III, age 74, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Lillian J (McConnell) Jencks with whom he shared 38 years of marriage. Born in Providence, RI, he was the first of seven children born to the late Merrill C. Jencks Jr. and Marian (Macera) Jencks.
Butch, a member of the Teamsters, possessed the strongest of work ethics and started his own business at the age of 13. He is described as fiercely loyal to his family and friends. Butch was always known for his generosity to family and friends. As a teenager, the first big purchase he made was a car for his mother. Later in life, Butch established a tradition of gifting his children and grandchildren cars for their 16th birthday. His generosity also extended into the community as he was an avid supporter of 4-H amongst other charities. He believed in giving people second chances and he had a soft spot for those that were down and out on their luck.
Butch was the loving father of Joanne Dempsey (husband Dennis), Robert B. Jencks and Chanel Ashton (husband Gregory); “Grampa” to Julia, Robert, Troy, Adam, Nicholas, Allie, Will, Levi, and Isla. He was the brother to Sheryl Ann Marshall, James Jencks, Beverly Morrissette, Arthur Jencks, Terri Fontaine, Danette Russo, and the late Daniel Jencks. He was especially close to his uncle Steve Macera, who was like a father to him. Butch is also survived by his Aunt “Boo” Judith Walton, Aunt Rose Vierra as well as many beloved cousins, nephews and nieces.
Butch’s funeral will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 10 a.m. from the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Kevin Church, 333 Sandy Lane, Warwick at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Quidnessett Memorial Cemetery, North Kingstown. Visiting Hours will be Tuesday, April 2, 2024, from 4-7p.m.
