Gerald (Jerry) Gene Jennings was born May 30,1932 to James Holden Jennings and Doris Estelle Wreschinsky in Oklahoma City, OK. The family moved to Kansas, where his father worked in the oil fields. In 1942, his mother passed away. After his father remarried, the family moved to Humphrey’s, MO. Jerry graduated high school and attended Chillicothe Business College to study telegraphy.
While spending the weekend at home, he met the love of his life, Naomi Virgie Rinehart. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in Trenton, MO on September 14, 1952. Jerry began working for the M.K.T. Railroad as an agent telegrapher before being drafted and spending two years in the Korean War.
The couple settled in Kansas City, MO, where they started their family and had three beautiful children; Richard, Patricia, and Carrie. Jerry continued his career in the transportation industry; spending time as a milkman, rate clerk and manager at several truck lines.
Jerry was an active member of the Hillside Christian Church, participating in the property committee, men’s breakfast and volunteering as a deacon. Jerry was also a member of Rising Sun 13 Masonic Lodge for 57 years. Jerry was a lifetime member of the KC Woodworkers Guild and had a passion for woodworking. He made many beautiful heirloom pieces. Jerry was involved in his community as a past president of Oak Lane Town Homes and a past president of the Highway Tariff Men’s Club.
On August 24th, 2021, Jerry passed away surrounded by his family. He is now reunited with Naomi, his loving wife. He lived a long good life and left a lasting impact on his family and community.
He is survived by his children, Richard Jennings and Amanda Stewart-Jennings, , Patricia and Harland Burger, Carrie and Brian Steen; grandchildren, Jeremy Jennings, Christine and Tim Martens, Roxanne and Eric Morhiser, and Katrina Burger with Tristan Hamlin; great granddaughter, Kortney Jennings; and sisters- in-law, Barbara Rinehart and Doris Cooper.
Visitation: September 20, 2021 10:00am to 12:00 pm at Hillside Christian Church Kansas City, MO. Interment: Family only- National Cemetery Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Masonic Lodge #13 Barry, MO, Korean War Veterans KWVA.us, American Cancer Society, KC Woodworkers Guild, KC Hospice and Palliative Care.
