It is with great sadness that the family of Charles "LaVerne" Jennings, 87, announces his passing, January 2, 2018.
He was in Yuma, AZ with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for their first ever family reunion.
LaVerne was born in Elmira, NY on November 21, 1930. He was the son of the late Mildred L. (Grinnell) and Charles E. Jennings. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Marjorie J. (Martin) and son, David. He is survived by his 5 children; Deborah, Douglas, Dawn, Duane, and Daniel, as well as siblings; Donald and Margaret Everett Sr.
He was raised as a farmer and pony roadster racer on the Homestead in Daggett, PA and attended Troy High School. He graduated in 1948 from a general studies track.
He returned to Daggett after his 33 year Navy career. In the U.S. Navy, he served as an Electronics Technician, a Winged Air-crewman, and an Aviation Warfare Specialist, deployed on the USS WASP, USS Coral Sea, and USS Kitty Hawk. He was a foreign war veteran and received numerous awards including: Campaign Awards, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Gallantry Cross with Palm, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal With Bronze Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and was recognized as a Navy pistol sharp shooter. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD.
He was in Yuma, AZ with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren for their first ever family reunion.
LaVerne was born in Elmira, NY on November 21, 1930. He was the son of the late Mildred L. (Grinnell) and Charles E. Jennings. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Marjorie J. (Martin) and son, David. He is survived by his 5 children; Deborah, Douglas, Dawn, Duane, and Daniel, as well as siblings; Donald and Margaret Everett Sr.
He was raised as a farmer and pony roadster racer on the Homestead in Daggett, PA and attended Troy High School. He graduated in 1948 from a general studies track.
He returned to Daggett after his 33 year Navy career. In the U.S. Navy, he served as an Electronics Technician, a Winged Air-crewman, and an Aviation Warfare Specialist, deployed on the USS WASP, USS Coral Sea, and USS Kitty Hawk. He was a foreign war veteran and received numerous awards including: Campaign Awards, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Unit Commendation, Gallantry Cross with Palm, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal With Bronze Star, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and was recognized as a Navy pistol sharp shooter. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, MD.
As a devoted husband, father, and active community volunteer, LaVerne was truly a family man. His wife Jane, was the light of his life. They enjoyed raising their six children as a military family by traveling and living across the U.S. He cherished taking his children to the beach, Disneyland, camping, on long drives, and 4th of July fireworks. After his wife's passing, he loved long phone calls and visits from family and friends. LaVerne was a terrific raised bed gardener and tinkerer on his backhoe and tractors. He raised cows and was a faithful participant in auctions. His three cats Yellow, Surprise, and Tiger kept him entertained with their playful ruckus. And let's not forget Polka-Joe on Friday nights!
LaVerne was a Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster for 17 years receiving numerous Boy Scout awards and recognitions. He was a Boy Scout Council Member, Leadership Training Instructor, Order of the Arrow Director, Philmont Guide, and Pinewood Derby Coach. He was a member of the Forester's group and a Pennsylvania State Park Ranger for several years.
LaVerne will be remembered by his soft smile, beautiful white hair and "Santa Claus" beard.
Calling hours will be held at Olthof Funeral Home. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY on Friday, May 11th, from 5-7 PM. Graveside burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Troy, May 12th,at 10 AM.
Memorial donations in LaVerne's name may be made to the Big Elm Fire Department in Daggett, PA or the Troy Firehouse in Troy, PA. LaVern's tribute wall may be signed at www.olthof.com
LaVerne was a Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster for 17 years receiving numerous Boy Scout awards and recognitions. He was a Boy Scout Council Member, Leadership Training Instructor, Order of the Arrow Director, Philmont Guide, and Pinewood Derby Coach. He was a member of the Forester's group and a Pennsylvania State Park Ranger for several years.
LaVerne will be remembered by his soft smile, beautiful white hair and "Santa Claus" beard.
Calling hours will be held at Olthof Funeral Home. 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY on Friday, May 11th, from 5-7 PM. Graveside burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery in Troy, May 12th,at 10 AM.
Memorial donations in LaVerne's name may be made to the Big Elm Fire Department in Daggett, PA or the Troy Firehouse in Troy, PA. LaVern's tribute wall may be signed at www.olthof.com
