Jeffrey Cletus Schlenker

Jeffrey Cletus Schlenker passed away on October 25, 2026, just four days after celebrating his 55th birthday.

A graduate of Glen Rose High School, Class of 1990, Jeffrey was the only child of Linda Sue Jones Schlenker and John Schlenker. He was especially proud of his grandfather, Cletus Jones, a well-known local country singer and songwriter who wrote the official “Arkansas Waltz,” which was passed by the Arkansas State Senate in March 1971. Jeffrey deeply adored his grandparents, Cletus and Sylvia Jones, and carried a special pride in his family's musical heritage.

For more than 20 years, Jeffrey was employed by Westside Pharmacy, delivering prescription medications throughout Saline County. He later continued this work with Finley Pharmacy for several years. To Jeffrey, his job was about much more than delivering prescriptions. He took great pride in looking after his customers, often picking up groceries along the way for those who were homebound. His kindness and willingness to go the extra mile made a lasting impression on the people he served.

Tim Finley recalled that Jeffrey treated his coworkers and customers like family. That sentiment perfectly captured the way Jeffrey approached his work and his relationships with others. He was a familiar and welcome presence in the lives of many throughout the community.

Jeffrey's love for dogs was equally well known. He never forgot the names of his customers' beloved companions and made a point of bringing doggie treats along on his deliveries. These small but thoughtful gestures reflected the heart of a man who found joy in making others feel remembered and cared for.

Jeffrey was, in every sense of the phrase, “Uniquely Jeffrey.” He had a one-of-a-kind personality, a kind heart, and a genuine desire to please others. There was much more to him than met the eye. An avid reader, Jeffrey maintained an extensive personal library filled with his favorite books. He also kept journals documenting his investigative work and enjoyed writing poetry. His curiosity, private pursuits, and thoughtful nature were important parts of who he was.

Thanksgiving last year, Jeffrey experienced a near-death experience. He called it, "His Wake Up Call." With his recent chronic illnesses, Jeffrey knew his time was limited. Being wheelchair bound, he moved into Assisted Living. He made many new friends and set out to become a "Good Shepard" and take care of what his parents had entrusted to him. He took seriously the TASK at hand, as his responsibility and legacy. Jeffrey's home had been in "The Jones Family" for 5 generations.

He took great pride in making his own decisions. During this time, he prayed a lot for God's help and guidance. He also asked for his own forgiveness and talked about finding peace for the first time in his life.

Jeffrey Cletus Schlenker: Rest in peace; "You were extraordinary.”

Jeffrey wants to send special thanks to the front office staff at Fox Ridge Assisted Living for their assistance with printing, receiving, & sending documents; and to CHI St. Vincent, Little Rock, and Cornerstone LTAC Hospital, also in Little Rock, who gave exceptional care to Jeffrey in the last months of his life.