2 years ago

Kenneth Larry Jennings
1940 - 2023

Kenneth Larry Jennings, 82, of Wheeler, Texas, died Sunday April 16, 2023.

Graveside service were held on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the Wheeler Cemetery in Wheeler. Arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Wheeler.

Larry was born October 1, 1940, in Coleman, of the late William Jennings II and Dorothy (Pearson) Jennings Ellis. He graduated from Coleman High School in 1958. After graduating, he entered Texas Tech University majoring in Agronomy & Range Management.

Larry Jennings married his high school sweetheart, Bobby Pate in Coleman on June 14, 1959. They were married for 63 years. After graduating from Texas Tech University in December 1963, he received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. They moved to Stinnett to manage the Kirk Farm and later to Spearman to the Bud Brainard Hog Operation. Later in the early 70’s, Larry was the manager of Dr. W.C. Jones Charolais Ranch in Wheeler. In 1972, he started his own business, Jennings Plumbing & Electric Service. His motto was “He could fix anything except a broken heart and given the chance he could do it a lot of good.” Also being the card player he was, his other motto was “A Flush is better than a Full House” for his thriving business. After 40 years, he retired in 2012.

Larry loved his family and was so proud of the two daughters that were called “Daddy’s girls.” He was an avid golfer for many years and enjoyed watching his daughter, Mona & grandkids perform at golf tournaments. While Rhonda never enjoyed golf, Larry loved watching her become an entrepreneur just like him. He instilled hard work and dedication no matter in life or sports. He would always say “Hold your head high, put a smile on your face and a song in your heart!”

Larry was preceded in death by his daughter, Ramona “Mona” Jennings Freeman; his mother Dorothy Elli; stepfather Bill Ellis; father, William Jennings Jr.

Survivors include his wife, Bobby of the home; one daughter, Rhonda and husband Dwayne Myers of Abra; son-in-law, Johnny Freeman of White Deer; two half-brothers, Richard Ellis and wife, Donna of Plano, and Pete Jennings of Euless; four grandchildren, Danielle Myers and husband, Tyler Jernigan of Abra, Codi Myers and wife Charlie of Abra, Skylar and husband, Thomas Landess of Amarillo, and Payton Freeman and fiancé Steeley of Lubbock; two step-grandchildren, Amanda and husband, Phillip Saffel of Lubbock and Justin Freeman and wife, Lacee of White Deer; six great-grandchildren, J’Leigh and Jasper Jernigan of Abra, Crease Myers of Abra, Olivia and Everett Saffel of Lubbock, and Jaxon, Logan, and Hunter Freeman of White Deer; a nephew, Travis Ellis and wife Sunny of Plano.

The family welcomes donations to Mona Jennings Memorial Scholarship PO Box 423, Wheeler TX 79096 or to the First Methodist Church, Wheeler TX 79096 as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers.