LIVINGSTON, TX—The tight-knit community of Livingston is reeling today following the tragic news that beloved local resident Billy Joe Jenkins is mourning the loss of his beloved pet armadillo, affectionately named Jethro.

According to sources close to Jenkins, Jethro had been a constant companion to the 57-year-old for the past two years, ever since Jenkins discovered the injured critter on the side of FM 3126 and nursed him back to health.

Neighbors describe seeing Jenkins and Jethro taking leisurely strolls around the trailer park, with Jenkins frequently stopping to offer his pet armadillo bits of homemade cornbread and slices of watermelon.

However, tragedy struck last Tuesday when Jethro wandered into the path of a passing pickup truck driven by none other than Jenkins himself. “I just couldn’t swerve in time,” a tearful Jenkins recounted to local reporters. “I had slowed down for a squirrel crossing the road, but Jethro darted out of the bushes and…well, it was over in a flash.”

Heartbroken over the loss of his loyal companion, Jenkins has since launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for a proper armadillo funeral service. The campaign, titled “Jethro’s Final Journey,” has already garnered over $500 in donations from sympathetic members of the community.

In a statement to Eastexasnews.com, Jenkins expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Jethro may have been just a humble armadillo to some, but to me, he was family,” Jenkins declared. “He deserves a proper send-off, and with the help of my fellow East Texans, we will give him the tribute he deserves.”

Local funeral homes have reportedly offered discounted rates for Jethro’s service, and a memorial vigil is scheduled to take place this Saturday at the community park.