Austin Jennings Jr.'s Obituary
Pryor Austin Jennings Jr., 91 years of Millstadt, IL, passed away on September 28, 2024 at Millstadt, IL. He was born September 26, 1933, in Shelbyville, KY.
Austin was born into a tenant farming family and moved often in his early years, working in dairy and tobacco farming. He spent long days in the tobacco fields and early mornings on the dairy farm. In addition, he was involved in equine training and competed in steeplechase racing and trained a world champion. That he once assisted Jackie Kennedy mount a horse (before she was J Kennedy) was a favorite story of Austin’s.
Austin honorably served his country in the United States Army, serving in the Korean War. He worked selling insurance, then cars. Austin was a wonderful storyteller and never met a stranger. In his later years, he served as Chaplain at the Marion Memorial Hospital in Marion, IL, and found his greatest joy in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Austin continued to work into his eighties in his lawn care business and enjoying the outdoors. He was involved in fox hunting for over 75 years, was a well-respected field judge and master of hounds, and served as President of the Indiana and Southern Illinois State Foxhunter’s Association. His pride and joy were his family and time spent with them.
Surviving are his Wife, Debbie Jennings; Children, Cub (Saedra) Jennings, Linda (Wayne) Whitehead, Sharon (Brian) Carter, Denise (Mike) Skelton; Stepson, Dustin (Nikki) Trankle; Grandchildren, Anthony (Rebekah), Jessie (Liz), Jackie (Eric), Alex (Tommy), Chayse, A.J., Sarah (Matt), Jacob, Emily Kaelin (Tyler), Eliza Kate (Andrew), Benjamin (Lizzie), Michael (Mo), Andrew (Leah), Adelyn, and Tyler; Great-Grandchildren, Connor, Carter, Claire, Eloise, Carter, S.J., Samantha, Anna; Brother, Tommy (Geraldine) Jennings; Brother-in-Law, Daniel Warren; along with other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, Pryor and Minnie (Hedges) Jennings Sr.; Son, Mark Anthony; Granddaughter, Molly; Sisters, Beulah Warren and Thelma Raake.
Visitation will be Saturday, October 5, 2024, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Leesman Funeral Home, Millstadt, IL. Services will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 12:00 pm with Jason Forby officiating. Interment will follow in the Mt. Evergreen Cemetery, Millstadt, IL.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to Hospice of Southern Illinois. For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
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