Oscar Kerry "OK" Jennings, 90, returned to his heavenly home on February 5, 2023, after a brave battle with a long illness. His firm belief in God and devotion to his wife supported him through his fight and ultimately brought him peace.
Oscar was born to the late Elijah and Viola Jennings on March 21, 1932, in Marthaville, LA. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary Jean Mathews Jennings and his two sisters; Ann Dees and Eurith McDaniel, both of Baytown, TX. Also left to cherish the memory of "Uncle OK" is a host of nieces and nephews who loved him deeply.
Oscar graduated from Marthaville High School and was drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in the Korean Conflict. Following his Honorable Discharge in 1960, he attended trade school and worked at American Air Distributing Company which he later owned and operated until his retirement in 1997.
As a teenager, Oscar met and fell in love with his best friend and soul mate, Mary Jean Mathews from Oak Grove, while they both were attending Springridge Methodist Camp in Pleasant Hill. They dated long distance and married in 1954 when he returned from the Service. He often reminded her how much he loved her by serenading her with the song, "I love You Because." She was his "Little Darling" and he, her "Prince Charming" until death did them part.
Oscar's favorite past time was fishing, and he and Mary loved to spend time and entertain family and friends at their camp on Toledo Bend. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling, especially to Branson, The Amish Country, and Virginia. Oscar loved the Lord and remained active in Church throughout his life. He believed in the power of prayer, and he and Mary would pray together each night for their families calling each niece and nephew by name.
A Celebration of Life Service honoring Oscar will be held at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 11 am. Visitation will precede the service at 10 am. Pastor Brian Jennings (nephew) of Bethel Congregational Methodist Church of Marthaville will officiate. Oscar will be laid to rest, with Military Honors, following the service at Bethany Cemetery in Marthaville.
Honoring Oscar as pallbearers will be Dale Jennings, Lonnie Hooks, Tom Redd, Sonny Vidrine, Ed Fleming and Ron Cernaglia. Donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital are requested in lieu of flowers.
Special thanks to the 5th floor staff of Willis-Knighton Pierremont Hospital for sharing the same "gift of hospitality" that Oscar shared.
