Carthal Trent Jenkins
Carthal “Trent” Jenkins, 87, died Thursday, September 18, 2025.
Born in Anadarko, Oklahoma and raised in Chickasha, Oklahoma. Mr. Jenkins graduated from Chickasha High School in 1955 and attended the University of Oklahoma majoring in Theatre. Almost immediately he began working as an actor and was one of the original company members of Theatre Three in Dallas. From there he was employed at the Alley Theatre in Houston from 1964 to 1988, where he was an acting company member and stage manager. He is fondly remembered for his performance at the Alley in “Oh Dad, Poor Dad”, “Saint Joan”, “How the Other Half Loves” and many other.
In 1982 Trent was company manager for the Alley Theatre’s production of Alan Ayckbourn’s play, “Season’s Greetings” at the Joyce Theatre in New York City, and in 1983 he was company manager for the Alley’s production of “Close Ties” at Ayckbourn’s Stephen Josph Theatre in Scarborough, England.
In 1988, he and George Anderson opened the Book Gallery in Beaumont, Texas where it thrived until 2002. After that, Trent was employed by the Mehaffy Weber law firm, where he was Library Coordinator until retirement in 2020.
Mr. Jenkin’s was preceded in death by his parents, A.C. and Eyline Jenkins, and his sister, LaRhonda Marlow.
He is survived by his brother, Michael Wornom and his family of Kingston, Oklahoma; and his partner of sixty-one years, George L. Anderson, of Beaumont.
A private celebration of Mr. Jenkin’s life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were handled through Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to any performing or visual arts organization in Houston or Beaumont.
Trent was such a joy to be around at MehaffyWeber. I loved seeing him in the office. Always smiling and always so helpful and thoughtful. He will be missed by many.
I had the Priceline of knowing Trent for years. Great guy and we always had fun conversing.
Rest in peace my friend.
My office is in the same building as Mehaffey Weber. I rode the elevator with Trent at least three times a week. He was so entertaining and a joy to see – especially in the morning. I’m sorry he was taken too soon.
I am sorry to hear of Trent’s passing. He was top-notch 100% of the time and oh so kind. It was a pleasure to work with him.
George, I am very sorry for your loss. I met you and Trent at The Book Gallery. Trent was kind, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to chat with. He will be sorely missed.
SuSan Strandberg, Conroe, TX
I’ll remember Trent’s kindness and the joy he brought into every room.” He will be missed.
Trent was a good and kind man. I enjoyed knowing him when I worked at MehaffyWeber. He always had a smile, a positive outlook, and kind word for everyone.
I’m so sorry for his loss. I don’t believe I met Trent before he moved to Beaumont and you open the Bookstore.
Peace be with you 🙏🏻❤️
Trent was truly one of the kindest people I ever knew. He was a wonderful colleague at MehaffyWeber an will be dearly missed.