Merle D. Jennings

Merle D. Jennings, 89, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2014. He was born on November 2, 1924 in Topeka, Kansas the son of Gordon and Amelia (Zachariasen) Jennings. Merle was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II. He worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. and was retired from the US Postal Service as a Letter Carrier. Merle was a member of Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, the American Legion Post #400, and the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 10. He married Mary Ann Reynoso in Topeka on July 31, 1954. She survives. He is also survived by their children, Dennis (Beverly) Nelson of Benedict, NE; Cindy (Chuck) VanHoutan of Hoyt, KS; Terri (Richard) James, Barb (Jeff) Sumpter, and a brother Bob (Pat) Jennings, all of Topeka; along with nine grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Joan Parker and Rodene Toulouse. The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home with a Parish Rosary being prayed at 4:00 p.m. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Parish and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66603.