Robert Jennings

1932 - 2014

Robert Jennings

Attorney Robert L. Jennings, 81, of Belleville, Ill., born Sept. 29, 1932, in New Baden, Ill., died Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Belleville, Ill.

Mr. Jennings was a prominent attorney in Belleville for more than 50 years. He became assistant state's attorney in 1964, and in 1965 he began eight years as city attorney for Belleville, Ill. He was recently honored as a 50-year member of the Illinois Bar Association.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill., and was very involved with the Catholic Diocese of Belleville, as well as many Baptist churches in the area. Prior to meeting his wife, Dolores, he was studying to become a Baptist minister. He preached his first sermon at the First Baptist Church on Jackson Street in Belleville, Ill. Once he met Dolores, the love of his life, he began studying to become Catholic.

Robert had graduated from Belleville Township High School in 1950. He spent eight years earning his law degree at night school at Saint Louis University. During his college years, he worked at the Wabash Railroad as an office assistant.

Robert served in the U.S. Army artillery in Korea near the end of the Korean War. During his time in the military, he was a personal cook for a general.

Robert was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was a talented woodcarver and was a member of the Belleville Area Holzschnitzers Club, a hobby he enjoyed for many years. He enjoyed horseback riding, farming on the weekends for relaxation, and playing music with his friends. Bob enjoyed playing the guitar, the banjo, and the fiddle with friends every Friday night in the living room of his home. In his earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, farming, boating, and motorcycle riding. He was a member of the Shriners, the Masons, and the Knights of Columbus. For many years he was involved with the annual Shriners' Parade in Belleville.

Bob enjoyed all the time he spent with his family, especially during the many summer vacations he planned for them. Because of his cooking skills obtained in the military, he was famous for making the best holiday meals, the Sunday morning big breakfast for his kids, and every Sunday dinner.

Those who knew Bob felt his willingness to give of himself to improve others' lives. He was very involved with charities in the area and used to say that he would only retire from being an attorney when he no longer would be helping people.

Bob enjoyed people. He always enjoyed the homemade cakes from Straightway Baptist Church or the occasional apple pie from a client. He had a habit of helping people just because they asked. He was a kind-hearted man who would do anything for anybody.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Dolores, nee Lercher, Jennings, whom he married on July 10, 1954, and who died on March 31, 2008; a son, Daniel G. Jennings; a son in infancy, Christopher M. Jennings; and his parents, Ernest P. and Margaret C., nee Guymon, Jennings.

Surviving are three daughters and a son, Angela M. (David) Fellner and John P. Jennings, both of Belleville, Ill., Judith A. Jennings (Tim Volluz) of O'Fallon, Ill., and Mary M. (Lloyd) Volluz of Highland, Ill.; eight grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, to St. Henry's Catholic Church, or to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill. A prayer service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:40 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, from George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill., for a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Belleville, Ill. Burial will follow at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, Ill.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.