Meritt Jennings

Kerrville Meritt Edward Jennings passed away quietly Friday November 19, 2010 at the age of 102. Born March 5, 1908 in Longton, Kansas, he was the last surviving child of Lewis and Maude Jennings.

The family moved to Drumright, Oklahoma when Meritt was a teenager. Not long after arriving in that oil boom town, Meritt spotted a young woman whose charm and beauty enraptured his youthful heart and he knew that Hazel Jennings nee Moore was going to be quotthe love of his lifequot. As is typical in the realms of love, Hazel required an appropriate amount of courting and cajoling, which he managed in spite of a pitterpattering heart at the sight of her. That marriage lasted for an astonishing 79 years.

He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army in Britain and France. He received an honorable discharge at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas on Nov. 15, 1945.

Meritt always enjoyed sports, both playing and watching. He played semipro baseball as a young man, then turned to golf and bowling. He liked to exercise and was an avid walker. He walked a steep hill behind Vicksburg Village, which has a sign that bears his name, up until quite recently. In later years, he became an avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs, often needing to adjust his Spurs cap and wrist band at appropriate angles, to give his team just the edge they needed to pull out a close game. Meritt was a kind, generous, friendly and moderate soul and he will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Hazel his daughter, Gwynn GroggelJackson and her husband, Jack Jackson of Kerrville grandson, Scott Free and wife Loree and great grandchildren Niles and Lila of Albuquerque, NM granddaughter, Michelle Prengle and husband Scott and great grandson Bob, of Dallas and grandson, Mike Menand of Atlanta, GA.

A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Meritt Jennings will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2010, at 11 AM in the Rails Event Center, 615 East Schreiner Street, Kerrville, Texas. All friends are invited to come and share in remembering the devoted husband, loving father, wonderful friend, and caring person that was Meritt Jennings.

The family wishes to thank Peterson Hospice and Alpine Terrace Nursing staff for their dedicated attention and attentive care given to their father. The family request that donations be made to Peterson Hospice, Riverside Nature Center or the charity of their choice.

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