Gary L. Jennings, age 60, of Mount Gilead, died Monday morning, January 14, 2013, at the Woodside Village Care Center following a 25 year battle with multiple sclerosis.
On June 6, 1952, Gary was born in Towanda, Pennsylvania, the son of Winnie (Brown) Wood and the late Thomas Jennings. He attended schools in Towanda, Pennsylvania, until his father passed away when he was 15 years old. He then moved to Morrow County to be with his brothers, graduating from Northmor High School in the Class of 1970.
After working at several places, Gary found a home at the H.P.M. Corporation in Mount Gilead as a welder, working there until he was no longer able due to his health. He retired from there in 1995.
One of Gary’s favorite pastimes was playing his guitar, and he was able to play “anything and everything”…from “country to rock”. He especially enjoyed his weekend jam sessions with friends. He also loved playing the music of his favorite singer, Elvis, even making his famous expressions while playing his music.
With a love for the outdoors, Gary enjoyed going on camping trips in their pop-up camper with his family. They spent most of their time at Indian Mill in Upper Sandusky. He also enjoyed taking trips to Pennsylvania to visit his family.
A man of many interests, Gary enjoyed going fishing with his son, Jason, at the State Lakes, riding his motorcycle, coaching Jason’s baseball team, playing in the Church softball league, and bowling.
Getting a second chance at love, Gary married Peggy Butler on March 8, 1981, who has been by his side through thick and thin. He had attended the Edison United Methodist Church with her, when he was still able.
A “cut up”, Gary could have best been described as “goofy”, always joking around and always managing to get the last word in.
Gary will be dearly missed by his wife, Peggy Jennings; three children: Jason Jennings, Leaha (Chad) Ritchey, and Stacey (Chuck III) Treisch, all of Mount Gilead; ten grandchildren: Jason II, Jordain, Jozef, Cadence and Karlie Jennings, Zoey Nichols, Cheyanne and Jayden Ritchey, and Nicholas and Bryce Treisch; his mother, Winnie Wood; two brothers: Tom Jennings and Dean (Madge) Jennings; two sisters: Janet Messenger and Debbie (Rod) Manley; a half sister, Kathy Jennings, all of Pennsylvania; a sister-in-law, Cindy Jennings of Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; and his former wife and family friend, Connie Klahn of Mount Gilead.
Including his father, Gary was preceded in death by his brother, Bob Jennings.
The Jennings family will greet friends from 2 – 4 p.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2013, at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. Services celebrating his breaking the chains from his earthly body will be observed privately by his family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Edison United Methodist Church, Hospice of Morrow County, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes is honored to have been chosen to serve Gary’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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