Harold Benford Jennings

Harold Benford Jennings, son of the late Clayton Talnage and Marie (Feazell) Jennings, was born December 27, 1926 in Cunard, West Virginia. He grew up in Gatewood, West Virginia and attended school in Fayetteville, West Virginia. On March 8, 1945, Harold entered the United States Army and served his country faithfully during World War II, Korea and Vietnam and retired on January 31, 1972. For his outstanding service to his country, Harold received several awards and commendations; some of which include: Bronze Star w/V Device, Purple Heart, Philippine Liberation, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Occupation Medal-Japan, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal (3rd Award), National Defense Service Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Vietnam Service Medal, 2 Overseas Bars, M-1 Expert Badge, M-14 Expert Badge and Presidential Unit Citation. Harold served as a Drill Sergeant for several years and took great pride in preparing troops to go overseas. He attained the rank of Platoon Sergeant (E-7). On December 19, 1967, Harold was united in marriage to the love of his life, Phyllis Jean Lumsden in Dixon, Missouri. They just celebrated their 45th anniversary and shared many wonderful memories together. After retiring from the military, Harold worked for NAF on Fort Leonard Wood in maintenance for 13 years (1976 – 1989). He was a member of the St. Robert Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 331, Disabled American Veterans and the Order of the Purple Heart. In his spare time, Harold enjoyed taking care of his lawn and gardens and took great pride in making sure they were well manicured. In his younger days, he enjoyed hunting, and even though he did not do much hunting in his later years, he still enjoyed just shooting his gun. He liked to do crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. The last few years his main passion was riding his Honda Ruckus. He put several thousand miles on it just riding around the neighborhood checking on his neighbors. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. Most days, you could find him playing with the grandkids and just this past Christmas he was crawling around on the floor chasing them and making them laugh. He was a true family man. He will be sadly missed by all those that knew and loved him, but his memory will be kept alive in their hearts. Harold passed away at 5:38 am, Thursday, January 3, 2013 in the Mercy Hospital of Springfield, Missouri having attained the age of 86 years and 7 days. Harold leaves to cherish his memory his wife: Phyllis Jennings of the home; three stepchildren: Kenneth Stockdale (Sue) of Newburg, MO, Gene Stockdale of Dixon, MO and Gregg Stockdale (Alicia) of Dixon, MO; four grandchildren: Jamie Lynn, Katherine, Steven and Troy Stockdale; six great grandchildren: Emmalie and Elliott Erlewine and Ethan, Bella, Christopher and Damon Stockdale; other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by three brothers: Willis, Alfred and Leonard Jennings and two grandchildren: James T. Stockdale and Ryan Stockdale. Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 8, 2013 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Rev. Keith Carnahan officiating. The songs “In the Garden” and “Amazing Grace” were played. Serving as escorts were the United States Army. Burial with military honors followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Military honors were provided by the United States Army of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Harold Jennings to the donor’s choice and may be left at the funeral home.

Harold Benford Jennings

December 27, 1926 - January 3, 2013