Leon Forrest Jennings

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Visitation Schedule
Visitation
First Baptist Church
302 Oak Street
Leslie, AR  72645
Saturday, August 22, 2015
1:00 PM
Service Schedule
Service
First Baptist Church
302 Oak Street
Leslie, AR  72645
Saturday, August 22, 2015
2:00 PM
Cemetery
Leslie Cemetery
6232 Baker Road
Leslie, AR  72645
Leon Forrest JenningsI am a Veteran.

of Mountain View, AR

March 3, 1921 - August 19, 2015

Leon Forrest Jennings, age 94 passed from this life on Wednesday, August 19th, 2015 at Heritage Living Center in Conway, Arkansas. He was born in Leslie, Arkansas on March 3rd, 1921 to Brad Jennings and Effie Shipman Jennings.

He grew up in a loving family of three brothers and two sisters, living in Leslie and graduating from Leslie High School. After moving to Memphis, TN, he married Regina Starkey and served in the US Army Air Corp. Together they had two daughters, and at the end of World War II, he brought his family back to Leslie where he owned and operated Jennings Mercantile. Leon was very involved in his community with the Lion's Club, Chamber of Commerce, Leslie School Board, Searcy County Fair Board and served as The Mayor. He also sold insurance for Farm Bureau and was long time Leslie Post Master.

A faithful and active member of Leslie First Baptist Church, he and Regina taught young adult Sunday school class for 8 years. They loved people and spent many years working with the youth of their community. He was a friend and father figure for any one in need. After the death of his beloved Regina in 1979, he retired from the United States Postal Service.

Leon married Jean Simmons in 1985 and moved to Mountain View, AR. He involved himself in Jean's musical career and began a wonderful new hobby of making white oak baskets. He loved life, loved his family and was a wonderful son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. After 21 years of a loving marriage, Jean passed away in 2005.

Leon was preceded in death by Regina and Jean; his parents, Brad and Effie Jennings; his brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Julia Jennings; his sister and brother-in-law, Juanita and George Reynolds; his sister-in-law Sara Jennings; and his son-in-law, Billy Lee.

Leon is survived by his daughters Dian (Wayne) York, Lib (Gerald) Harrison, Virginia Lee, Renee (Jerry) Storey, Pam (Vic) Setser; his sons, Danny (Martha) Simmons, Richard Stoltz and Bill Zellers; his brothers, Thad Jennings and Ed (Susan) Jennings; his sister, Edna Wilson; his special friend and companion, Helen Parsons; as well as 16 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 2 on the way, 1 great great grandchild, and many nieces, nephews, loving family members and great friends.

Arrangements are by Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas.
Funeral services for Leon will be 2:00 PM Saturday, August 22, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Leslie, Arkansas with Bro. Ray Brown and Bro. Wade Smith officiating. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM preceding the service. Burial will be in Leslie Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Leon's grandsons, Joe Harrison, Michael Harrison, Darby York, Cody York, Russell Simmons, Michael Storey, Tom Thomas, Austin Kirby and Eric Lee. At the family's request, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to Flatwood Cemetery, c/o Weldon Duncan, 802 Hwy 5, Mountain View, AR 72560 or Leslie Cemetery Fund, c/o Simmons Bank, PO Box 250, Marshall, AR 72650.

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37 Condolence(s)
Chuck Shoemake
Greenwood, IN
Liked
Saturday, August 29, 2015

Leon, Susan and I will always remember the many kindnesses you conveyed to us when we first moved to Leslie in 1981. I will always remember the many meals taken with you and Effie, the banter, and the many laughs as you taught us the art of basket making. You're a good man...and you will be missed. Chuck and Sue

Christy Lack Smith
Springdale, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 27, 2015

As a child, I always looked forward to trips to the post office with my grandparents, Loren & Lorna Lack. I remember Mr. Jennings as the very tall man with the kind eyes and beautiful smile. He was a Leslie institution. My prayers are with your family.

Bill & Susie Seeger
Springdale,
Liked
Tuesday, August 25, 2015

I now have three fathers in heaven. Leon, you did a great job helping mom raise this "wild Indian". Dian and Lib, thanks for sharing him. Because of our move back to Leslie in 1975 our relationship moved from a father-son relationship to adult relationship. I was able to help him through tough times. "In my Fathers house there are many mansions, I hope mine is right next to Leon's.

J. R. Thomas
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, August 24, 2015

So sorry to hear about Leon. Always a friendly and hospitable guy that really made you feel welcome.

My condolences to the many family and friends.

Max McElmurry
Batesville, AR
Liked
Monday, August 24, 2015

Dian, Lib & Pam:
So sad but what a wonderful and productive life he ldt for so long. Growing up in Leslie he was the heart and soul of the community for 50 years and carried that trait with him to .Mt. View.
I know of no other person that had the influence and impacted so many young people as Leon. We would all gather around the oop bellied stove at the Jenning Store and go over the previous days baseball scores and other sports topics. He was a large part of our early memories as our coach of pee wee baseball and basketball games and was a second parent to all.
Many returned to Leslie for the Homecoming to visit and to catch up with Leon.
He also made a mean white oak basket and was featured in numerous advertisements promoting the Mt. View area. I was fortunate to purchase them for all of my family
Good friend, our world was always a better place with you in it. You will be missed!

Ray & Gene Wheeler
Springdale,
Liked
Monday, August 24, 2015

Very few people in our lives have meant so much to us as Leon. We think of him truly as a member of our own family.
We are blessed with such sweet memories of him and Regina, and now to know they are together again.
Please accept our sincere sympathy to you and yours, and our love in memory of our very, very dear friend.

Cheryl Hensley
marshall,
Liked
Monday, August 24, 2015

Leon was a wonderful man, and literally a friend to everyone. He honestly and genuinely cared for every living soul. I have lived for 60 years now and Leon was one of the very few men I have ever known that wished everybody good, even those most people thought were not fit.
When I was young, Leon was the postmaster in Leslie, I would come in once a week to clean the post office. He took every opportunity to talk to me about life, and give me guidance. I wish I would have told him that I never forgot his words of encouragement and confidence in me.
Of course like a lot of folks, he gave me a nickname as well. He called me Slew Foot because I loved to go barefoot.
. When he moved to Mountain View, I saw him several times at the coffee shop and it thrilled me. Leon was a wonderful role model in my life, and I will never forget him. Rest in Peace Leon, I love you.
Cheryl (Strong) Hensley

Charlie & Laura (Pate) Grimes
Clinton, AR
Liked
Sunday, August 23, 2015

Jennings Family,
We were so sorry to hear about
the loss of Leon.
He was a nice man.
Our prayers are with you all.
May the Lord comfort you all
in your loss.

Brenda Lewis
Timbo, AR
Liked
Saturday, August 22, 2015

Leon was a very special person to me along with Regina and Jean and all of the family. I have worked with him, sat in his Sunday School class, visited his basket barn, ate lots of meals with him and in all of our times together, he was an amazing and loving person. The funeral service today was so very special andthe music was awesome, but the amazing part was, he had touched and cared for everyone there and he will never be forgotten. God bless each of you.

Janice Melton
Mountain View, AR
Liked
Saturday, August 22, 2015

Mr Leon will surely be missed by everyone that was blessed to know him. He always had a smile on his face no matter where you saw him. God bless you all with peace & comfort that only He can provide. Love & Prayers , Janice & Robert Melton

Jason (Junior) Lee
,
Liked
Saturday, August 22, 2015

If I ever had a father figure in additional to my father it would be Leon. I have thought of him many times throughout my life. I lived in Leslie for a brief time when a teenager. It surprised me that he was really interested in me and what was going on in my life. Surprising because he was my dads age, a business man, a leader in the community, married to a beautiful woman and had two little kids. He had plenty to be concerned about besides me. Yet he was there for me. I was really impressed that a man like Leon was also a strong Christian. He lived his faith. That really helped me later in life. I will miss him as I know will his family. In my mind he has simply relocated. God Bless.

Joel
,
Liked
Friday, August 21, 2015

My deepest condolences for your loss. I earnestly hope for the time Jesus Christ spoke of "in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth" so that you can be reunited with Leon. (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) May the God of all comfort support and console you during this difficult time. (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)

Donald & Robin Beckham
Mountain View, AR
Liked
Friday, August 21, 2015

So sorry for your loss, Leon was a fine gentleman, which we thought very highly of.

Ron and Alisa Wall
Goodlettsville,
Liked
Friday, August 21, 2015

True wealth is measured by the hearts we touch and love we share. Leon was truly a wealthy man. We will miss him along with so many other dear friends.

Vicki Lewis
Leslie,
Liked
Friday, August 21, 2015

So sorry for your loss, one wonderful man and friend

Mike McCoy
Harrison, AR
Liked
Friday, August 21, 2015

What a great guy and great sports enthusiast.- Seems like yesterday that we played Leslie-Marshall and Leon's team, led by his brother, and pitcher, Thad. Guys like Leon are, and will be missed. A gentleman in every respect!
Sympathy

Mike McCoy

Christina Wilson
,
Liked
Friday, August 21, 2015

I am so saddened to hear the news of Uncle Leon's passing. I was fortunate enough to see him the last time I was in town! He is a great man and will be missed terribly. Heaven is one lucky place and all the angels will have a new nick name; sugar. My deepest condolences.

Bob and Pat Reeves
Mtn. View,
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Praying for all of you. Leon never met a stranger. He will be missed. We are blessed to have some of his beautiful baskets in our home.

Mike McReynolds
Sickest on, MO
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Leon introduced me to the Arkansas Ozarks in 1980. Showed up in Sikeston to convince me to move to Leslie to be Minister of Music and Youth after telling him no twice on the phone. I moved there a few short months later and served for a year and a half! I will be forever grateful! He was a great friend.

Ewanda (Shipman) Young
Caruthersville, MO
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Your Dad was very special.

Mary Catherine McSpadden
Durham, NC
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Leon was a true gentleman, with kind words for all whom he met. It was a delight to know him during the time he lived in Mountain View. My prayer is for all his family to find comfort in each other and in many happy memories of Leon.

Dawn Branscum
Fifty Six, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Renee, Pam, Virginia, Danny and all the family,
I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all and I pray that God blesses and comforts all of you.

Rodney&Debbie
Arkadelphia,
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Rodney and I are so sorry to hear of the loss of your precious father. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Donna & john.Shoemaker
Collierville, TN
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dian & Lib, you were blessed with God's best of parents. Leon & Regina were a source of love to all who knew them. Leon was the father I never knew. He always had a smile and today that smile is lighting up Heaven. He is where we all want to be and one day we will all be kicking up gold dust together. Love and prayers.

Mary Scheulen
WICHITA, KS
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dian and Lib, My thoughts and prayers are with you! I know that your dad will be missed by many, but none so much as you two! May the Love of God and your friends comfort you!
Love you both, Mary Scheulen

Eddie & Kathy Morrison
Marshall, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

We send you all our deepest ,and prayers.

Daphna (George) Keys
Jasper, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Lib and Diana

Sorry to hear the passing of a great man. So glad we went by to see him about a month ago. He was still Leon. He would do anything for anyone at anytime. There isn't in doubt in my mind where Leon is today. Our thoughts and prayers or with you during this time.

Love

Daphna and Jimmy

sally Boyd
Conway, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Words cannot express the sorrow, loss and love that I share with you over Leon's passing. Throughout my life he has always been there for me in whatever I faced. My condolences to all of the family in the loss of this good, good man.
Sally B.

Doug and Barbara Henderson
Leslie,
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Heaven has welcomed a wonderful man!
Doug and Barbara

Roland & Linda Pugh
Mountain View, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

We are sorry to hear of Leon passing. He
will be missed by all who knew him.
May God Bless the family in a special way
during this time.
Roland and Linda

Debbie Butler
Fifty Six, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Thoughts and Prayers are with all...

Steve Simmons
Mountain View, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

I'm sorry to hear of Leon's passing. I have so many good memories of Leon. He was a good man who always had a smile to give you. He was so nice to my daughters and he will be missed by everyone.

Suzanne and Richard Van Pelt
Roswell, GA
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dear Dian and Lib, it was with heavy hearts that we learned of Leon's passing this morning. We have so many happy and funny memories of this dear and special man. He touched so many lives in such memorable ways that he won't soon be forgotten.
We will cherish even more the beautiful basket he made as a token of his legacy. Our prayers for comfort are with you and your families.

Henry and Diane Treece
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

What wonderful memories we have of Leon.. He was such a good
Christian man.. We used to hang out at the store before and after scnool.. He was like a big brother to Henry.

May you have Christ's peace during this time.




Yvonne "Russell" Burns
Little Rock,
Liked
Thursday, August 20, 2015

Dian & Libby - I am so sorry for your loss! Your dad has always brought a smile to my face when I think about him. He always had a smile and even a hug when I needed one. I know I had to be the biggest pest in the world but he always had time for me!

Richard Stoltze
Mountain View, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Leon was my best friend, father figure and mentor. I already miss him. Richard Stoltze

pam and jerry partee
mtn.view, AR
Liked
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

pam , we are sorry to hear about mr. leon.