Edward Theo "Ted" Jennings

Edward Theo "Ted" Jennings, 79, of Nevada, Mo., formerly of Benton and Hot Springs, died Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2008 at Freeman Medical Center in Joplin, Mo. His death was due to complications of pulmonary disease. He was born June 7, 1929 to the late Edward Theo and Louise Besancon Jennings in Collegeville, Ark. He was reared and received his early education in Benton. He attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lebanon, Mo., during his 11th grade year but returned to graduate with his friends in the Benton High School class of 1946. He attended Little Rock Junior College and Southern Methodist University. Ted served in the United States Army, attaining the rank of captain and was a Korean War Veteran. He married his sweetheart, Billie Catherine Rothenberger on Jan. 11, 1952. They began their married life at Fort Lee, Va., and returned to live in Arkansas after his discharge from the Army. Ted worked at ALCOA before getting into the fishing lure manufacturing business in Hot Springs. This business took him from Hot Springs to El Salvador SA, California, Florida and Louisiana. After retirement, he and his wife lived several years in Hot Springs before moving to Nevada, Missouri. He was a member of Twin Lakes Baptist Church in Hot Springs.

Survivors, wife, Billie Catherine Jennings, Nevada; sons, Judge Kelly Stephen Jennings and his wife Kevin, of Norcross, Ga., Rodney Theo Jennings and wife Gina, of Hot Springs; daughter Shelley Jennings Horst and husband Rudy, of Nevada; brother, Charles "Bill" Jennings and wife Billie Sue, of Mountain Pine; sister, Sharon Jennings Daugherty and husband Phil, of Benton; 11 grandchildren, Kelly J., Elizabeth, Tyler, Griffin, Kendall, Emily, Zachary and Benjamin Jennings, Mary Eleanor, Edward and Lyn Horst; great grandchild, Keaton Jennings; seven nieces, nephews and their families and many friends.

Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008 at 11 a.m., at Pine Crest Memorial Park in Alexander. The Rev. Terry Coleman will be officiating.

Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home, Friday, Dec. 19, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to: Barone's Alzheimer's Care Center, 2101 North Ash Street, Nevada, MO 64772 or Angel Food Ministry, Twin Lakes Baptist Church, 3899 Hwy 290, Hot Springs, AR 71913.