Clarence Clayton Jennings

 

 

Clarence Clayton Jennings “Sonny” born on July 10, 1941, went to be with the Lord on November 2, 2023, at the age of 82. He was one of four children born to Clarence Charles Jennings and Juanita Beatrice Jennings.

Clarence attended school in Kansas. In high school he attended vocational electronics classes and became a journeyman electrician. During this time, he taught himself and obtained his ham radio license. When he told his teacher, the teacher was so impressed Clarence got an A for the rest of the year.  After graduating, he joined the Air Force (1962-1966).  He was sent to Texas for basic training, to Amarillo for training and assigned to Randolph AFB working on T38 jet engines.  Clarence chose not to reenlist even though he had an option to possibly join the Thunderbirds maintenance group.  This allowed him to remain in Texas.  Clarence’s work life following the Air Force included repairing TVs, medical equipment and setting up equipment in hospitals and doctor’s offices after equipment purchase. 

Clarence had the ability during one of his electronic job positions to be a part of the building of a hyperbaric chamber.  The doctor designing the chamber would give instructions and he had to make this operate as the doctor wanted.  There were no schematics or diagrams to follow.   National Geographic was said to have featured this building in an article.

He began working at BAMC Medical Maintenance Department in 1986 and retired in 2010.  Clarence’s experience gave him the ability to work on various equipment, big and small.  He was specifically trained to repair and maintain ultrasound equipment.  He was known for sharing his experience with new techs.

Clarence’s personal life following the service included serving as a volunteer firefighter and basic EMT for the City of Converse.  Again, he shared his experience in the training and keeping equipment working.  He was also holding a full-time job while volunteering.

Clarence confirmed his faith in God as his personal Savior with his baptism at New Life Baptist Church.  He served as a Deacon and participated in the AWANA youth group.  He also served on the AWANA Board with the Missionary which included participating in events around Texas.

Clarence’s jovial side was known by his friends as he played jokes on them.  This fun side was seen by others when he performed a fire dance with sparklers at a luau event.  That sure brought a big laugh.  On his more authoritative side his son and friends during their school days gave him the name of “The Judge.”  Clarence had a caring side too.  He helped provide care and support for his in-laws in their later years.

Clarence is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Shirley Story and Marie “DeDe” Foshee He is survived by his wife, Deanna; son, Jeffrey and wife Diana; sister, Sharon Beaman and husband, Charles; grandsons, Ryan Oldenkamp and Caleb Jimenez; and great grandsons, Jackson Oldenkamp and Logan Oldenkamp.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, from 6 to 7:30 PM at Schertz Funeral Home.  A procession will depart Schertz Funeral Home at 10:00 AM on Thursday, November 16, 2023, for a Graveside Service at 10.30 AM at Holy Cross Cemetery. Following the Graveside Service, everyone is invited to the fellowship at Cibolo Valley Baptist Church 5500 FM 1103 Schertz, TX.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the San Antonio Area Patriot Guard Riders c/o Bob Johnson, P.O Box 828 Jourdanton, Texas 78026, official.sapgr@gmail.com or The Least of the Saints MC – Southside via QR code on website:  LeastofthesaintsMC.com