OBITUARY from the Herald-Palladium Sunday April 5th, 2009:
RONALD D. JENNINGS
BENTON HARBOR - Ronald D. Jennings, 68, of Benton Harbor passed away after a lengthy illness on Friday, April 3rd, 2009, at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, April 7th, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 Delaware, Benton Harbor, with Fr. Bill Jacobs officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 9:30am to 10:30am prior to the start of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests any memorials or donations be made to Hospice at Home or St.John-St. Bernard Parish. Those wishing to send the family condolences or sign the guestbook may do so on-line at www.starks-menchinger.com Ronald was born on Nov 14th, 1940 in St. Joseph to Faye and Delores (Mcpherson) Jennings. He served his country in the U.S. Navy in defense communications and was highly decorated after 22 years of faithful service. Ron married Marilyn (Mathews) Jennings on Sept 12th, 1964, in Watervliet. Together they raised two children, Kevin and Kelly. Ronald was the Exalted Ruler of the St. Joseph Elks 541 and a member of VFW Post 1137 in Benton Harbor. He also served as president of Knights of Columbus. Ronald was a long-time member of St. John - St. Bernard Catholic Parish, working as a volunteer. He enjoyed golfing, tennis, bowling and tandem bicycling with his wife. Most of all, Ron loved spending time with his grandkids. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Marilyn; his mother, Delores; his son, Kevin (Jill) Jennings of Naperville, IL; is daughter Kelly (Chuck) Snyder of Emmitsburg, MD; adopted daughter, Kathy Rodi; previous daughter-in-law, Cheryl Jennings; his grandchildren - Rachel, Brandon S., Payton, Connor and Brandon T.; his brothers, Ted (Donna) Jennings of N.C. and Brad (Rosemary) Muller of FL; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his father, Faye, in December of 1950.