In Memory
Samuel Marion Jennings
Apr. 21, 1930 - Oct. 10, 2009
JENNINGS, Samuel Marion Age 79
Of Kalamazoo
Died Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Borgess Nursing Home. He was born April 21, 1930, in South Bend, Indiana, to Samuel Gayle and Jennie Jennings, the third of five children.
He was a graduate of John Adams High School, earned his bachelor's degree at Indiana State Teachers College in Terre Haute, Indiana, and his master's degree at Ball State University. Sam served in the Korean Conflict where he was a Staff Sergeant and earned a purple heart, among other honors.
He married Alice Gwendolyn Jenkins in 1954 and they had four daughters. He was a Boy Scout Executive in Illinois and Indiana. He taught for one year at Starr Commonwealth for Boys in Albion. He was a junior high and high school wood shop teacher in the Lakeview School District in Battle Creek for 15 years. Strong in his faith in God, he was a 20 year member of Gideons and worked at two missionary schools. After he left teaching he was employed at American Fibrit in Battle Creek and Wal-Mart in Big Rapids. Sam's church affiliations include 14 years as a member of First Wesleyan Church in Battle Creek, 12 years at New Hope United Methodist Church in Mecosta, and most recently as a member of Gull Lake United Methodist Church in Richland. He was recognized as Big Brother of the year while in Battle Creek. He loved photography, the outdoors, telling groaner jokes, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Sam is survived by his wife, Alice; four daughters, Kathy Jennings, Tina Egan, Margaret Jennings, and Gayle Jennings; six grandchildren, Christina, Stephanie and Forrest Bennett, Austin Weideman, Brendan and Shannon Egan; three great-grandchildren; one brother Jerry Jennings; and one sister Jean Fess.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Rachel Livingston and Jackie Elliot.
At the request of the family, friends may call Friday, October 16, 2009 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Gull Lake United Methodist Church, 8640 Gull Road, Richland. Funeral services will be held 1:00, Friday, October 16, at the Church. Officiating will be the Rev. David Nellist. Arrangements by
FARLEY-ESTES & DOWDLE FUNERAL HOME
Richland Chapel
9170 East D. Ave., Richland.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in honor of Sam are asked to consider Borgess Hospice. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.
|