In Memory

Thomas Jennings - Class Of 1958

Thomas Jennings

Thomas W. Jennings, 81, a lifelong resident of Olney, Illinois, died at home on Tuesday, November 2, 2021. A visitation will be held at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, November 5, 2021, with a brief ceremony immediately following the visitation.

Tom was married to the love of his life and the most devoted wife in the world, Elaine, for 61 incredible years. They raised three boys, Anthony, Timothy, and Chip. He worked at United Parcel Service for 28 years. He thoroughly enjoyed coaching and watching his sons play sports, especially basketball. He loved golf, traveling in his motorhome, and spending everyday with his wonderful wife. He never turned down any of her cooking and his three favorite sports teams were the Cubs, Blues, and Fighting Illini.

Tom loved woodworking, photography, and all sports. He absolutely adored his grandkids, grand-dogs, and grand-cats. He could tell a joke like nobody else and may even repeat it again & again.

Tom is survived by his son, Dr. Anthony and his wife Melinda and their two daughters Elaina and Heather who reside in St. Louis. His son, Dr. Tim and his wife Melissa have three kids. Dr. Tyler and Nikki live in St. Louis, and Alexis lives in Chicago. Chip died tragically in a plane crash in 1981 and will never, ever, be forgotten!

Tom’s sister Barbara Kistner (late husband Ken) resides in Chicago with their daughters Janet, Susie, and son Rob. He is also survived by his brother-in-laws Bob and Bill Brinkley and sister-in-law Susie Brooks-Smith. His Father, Hob Jennings died from complications from multiple sclerosis and his mother, Lynne Jennings died in 2007.

Thomas will be missed by many friends and the greatest neighbors in the world. He often mentioned how he prayed for the day that he can hug Chip again and see his dad walk again without his braces or crutches.

Memorial may be made to the Athletic Department at Richland County High School (checks can be made payable to RCHS).

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL



 
go to bottom 
  Post Comment

11/08/21 02:50 PM #1    

Phyllis Hahn (Rusk) (1958)

Elaine, wanted you to know that my prayers are with you, the children and family.   Tom was a special guy.  I met him in 1st grade and never forgot him.  Was great to have him as a friend.  I cherish the last time we were able to visit with you and he  2 nights at the class reunion in 2018.   Hugs to you.

 Phyl (Hahn) Rusk


11/09/21 03:22 PM #2    

Jean Shaw (Shafer) (1961)

Elaine, I was so sorry to learn about Tom's passing.  I always appreciated Tom's friendship to me.  When I was younger he always treated me like a little sister.  He helped to keep me from being scalped  when the neighborhood kids were playing cowboy & Indians!  As a freshmen, he was kind enough to to help me out when a bunch of seniors wanted to give some of us freshmen a ride.  He knew I was afraid to go, and out of respect for my mom he promised me he would take me right home.  He kept his promise and I have never forgotten.  We lived in the duplex with his family on Mill St. and Main. Lynn was a good friend to my mother as well.

I am so glad you had over 60 years to be with him and enjoy your growing family.  Grandchildren are wonderful for certain. I pray you will feel the comfort of the Holy Spirit and the peace of God as you heal from this loss.  Jean Shaw Shafer

 


11/09/21 08:15 PM #3    

Carol Walker (Leamon) (1962)

Elaine, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my prayers always. I'll always cherish the memories I have of when your boys were just little tykes and, neither couple had extra money to do things, so we'd play cards on Friday nights at your house and have our hamburgers ready to start frying when the clock struck midnight!


11/12/21 02:08 PM #4    

Bill N Webster (1961)

Elaine, I am so sorry for your loss of Tom. I know you will miss him very much. My prayers are with you and the family.  

Bill Webster


go to top 
  Post Comment