Douglas Jennings

Douglas Charles "Raggs" Jennings, 72, of Topeka, passed away Friday, March 23, 2012.

Doug was born Jan. 8, 1940, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Douglas Foster Jennings and Leone Lillian Jennings. He graduated from Lawrence High School and attended the University of Kansas and Washburn University. He served three years in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany as a helicopter mechanic, earning the rank of sergeant.

On April 20, 1968, he married his wife of nearly 44 years, Mary Ann, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Kan., and she survives.

Doug worked as a residential real estate appraiser for 28 years for Capitol Federal Savings, retiring in 2005. He had his own appraisal company before joining Capitol Federal. Doug served as past president of the Appraisal Institute – Greater Kansas Chapter, and was a member of the Topeka Chapter of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, Kansas Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors.

He loved being involved in the community, including serving for many years on the Shawnee County American Cancer Society board, especially emphasizing cancer-survivor activities. For many years he was active with Relay for Life and the Wine and Roses fundraiser. For 10 years he served on the Selective Service board.


At St. David's Episcopal Church, Doug served as a trustee on the endowment board and attended the Thursday morning men's group. In the past he served as junior warden and as a member of the Vestry.

Doug was a member of the Shawnee Country Club for many years and enjoyed playing golf, traveling, exercising, reading, having lunch with various groups of friends and enjoying Colorado's scenery from the deck of his cabin.

In 1967 he was initiated into the Masonic Lodge and Abdallah Shrine in Kansas City, Kan. He transferred to Arab Shrine Temple in 1972 and was active as the first director of the Keystone Kops, joining the Clown Unit later, serving as treasurer for more than 30 years. Doug won a number of awards through the years for clown makeup and costume competitions and thoroughly enjoyed being involved in the circus each year as "Raggs" the tramp. He was chosen Shriner of the Year in 2005 and was serving as chair of the Arab Shrine endowment board. He also was an associate member in the Golf Unit.

In addition to his wife, survivors include a brother-in-law, Robert T. Sheue, of Golden, Colo.; a nephew, Todd Peter Broom (Holli), of Chesapeake, Va.; a grand niece, Mackenzie Ellen Broom; a grand nephew, Tanner Seth Broom; cousins Shelagh Selvey, of Nepean, Canada; Donna Ahlquist, of Shreveport, La.; and Robert Hansowitz, of Bridport, England.

A celebration of Doug's life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2012, at St. David's Episcopal Church, 3916 SW 17th St., Topeka. Inurnment will follow in the church courtyard. A reception will follow in the church parish hall. Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, Topeka, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the St. David's Endowment Fund; Arab Shrine Forever Endowment Fund, Arab Shrine Temple, 1305 S. Kansas Ave., Topeka, Kan., 66612; Grace Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St., Suite 100, Topeka, Kan., 66614; American Cancer Society, 1315 SW Arrowhead Road, Topeka, KS 66604; and Children's Tumor Foundation (neurofibromatosis), 95 Pine St., 16th Floor, New York, NY, 10005-1703.