Clarence D. Jennings

May 1, 1925 - December 21, 2017

Clarence D. Jennings, son of the late Emmet and Viola (Null) Jennings, was born May 1, 1925 in Granite City, Illinois. As a young boy, Clarence grew up in rural Dixon, Missouri and went to Needmore School, which was a one room school with all 8 grades and later attended Waynesville High School. On September 25, 1943, Clarence was united in marriage to Margurite Leola Long in Vienna, Missouri. They shared over 74 years of marriage and were blessed with one son, Dennis. In 1943, Clarence entered the United States Army and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in Ardennes, Normandy, North France, Rhineland and Central Europe and was honorably discharged after World War II on December 18, 1945. For his faithful service, he was awarded 5 Bronze Service Stars, Purple Heart w/1 Oak Leaf Cluster and Good Conduct Medal. After being discharged from the Army, Clarence and the family moved to Michigan and in March of 1946 he became a locomotive engineer for New York Central, Penn Central and then to Conrail. He retired in 1988 after 39 years and 6 months of service. After retiring from the railroad, Clarence and Margurite enjoyed traveling all over the country with their American Eagle Coach. They went to every state (excluding Hawaii) and also Canada. They loved traveling, but eventually they came to the Waynesville area in 2003 where they have stayed. Clarence was a member of the Richland Masonic Lodge and also three campground associations: Thousand Trails, RPI and All Seasons. Clarence passed away Thursday, December 21, 2017 in his home having attained the age of 92 years. He will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved him. Clarence leaves to cherish his memory, his wife: Margurite Jennings of the home; one son: Dennis Jennings and wife Nancy of Richland, MO; one brother: Virgil Jennings of Granite City, IL; two step grandchildren: Jennifer and Steven Artress and four great grandchildren, all of Michigan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Clarence was preceded in death by one brother: Bill Jennings. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert with Pastor Danny Graves officiating. The songs “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross” were played. Serving as escorts were family and friends. Burial with military honors followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the Missouri Honors Team.