In Memory Of
Harlan Jennings
Harlan Jennings
Harlan F. Jennings, 95, of Topeka passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home Friday, August 4, 2006. He was born February 22, 1911 on the Jennings farm southwest of Lebo, Kansas, the son of Frank H. and Edna F. Jennings.
Harlan graduated from Lebo High School in 1929. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Lifetime Teaching Certificate in 1936. While attending the University, he joined the NAACP and the National Guard. As a member of the KU swimming team, he won the Big Six Championship in the Backstroke. Harlan graduated from Harvard Naval Officers Communication School in 1943.
Harlan served in World War II as the Communications Officer on the aircraft carrier, Tulagi. He saw active duty in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. His carrier supported the invasion of Southern France, the liberation of the Philippines, and the landings on IwoJima and Okinawa. He ended his military service with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
After the War, as Field Executive for the Kansas Department of Education, he became a crusader for the poorer school districts, making certain that they received the funding and equipment to which they were entitled. He was particularly proud of his success in behalf of the school at Nicodemus, KS. In later years, Harlan enjoyed substituting in the Topeka and surrounding Shawnee County district schools until he was 80 years old.
Harlan was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. He had served as their official chaplain and was a past president of the Fellowship.
He was a member and supporter of many diverse groups, among them were: The National Association of Railroad Passengers, Sierra Club, TOSCA, Kansas State Historical Society, Friends of the Topeka Public Library, Shawnee County Historical Society, KTWU, and K-Club.
Harlan was married to Myrtle Alice Patrick on May 24, 1941, in LeRoy, Kansas. They celebrated their 65th Wedding anniversary on May 24, 2006. She survives. Other survivors include his son, Harlan Jennings, Jr., and his wife, Anne Nispel of E. Lansing, Michigan, his daughter, Karen Brown and her husband, William Brown of Newton, Kansas, his son, Dean Jennings of Topeka, and granddaughter, Jennifer Brown of Newton, KS. Two sisters, Myrta Walters of Riley, KS, and Edith Johnson of Wichita, KS, and their children and grandchildren, and several cousins.
Mr. Jennings was cremated. Memorial services will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 10, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4775 S.W. 21st St.. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship or the NAACP.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Harlan graduated from Lebo High School in 1929. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science degree and a Lifetime Teaching Certificate in 1936. While attending the University, he joined the NAACP and the National Guard. As a member of the KU swimming team, he won the Big Six Championship in the Backstroke. Harlan graduated from Harvard Naval Officers Communication School in 1943.
Harlan served in World War II as the Communications Officer on the aircraft carrier, Tulagi. He saw active duty in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean, and the Pacific. His carrier supported the invasion of Southern France, the liberation of the Philippines, and the landings on IwoJima and Okinawa. He ended his military service with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
After the War, as Field Executive for the Kansas Department of Education, he became a crusader for the poorer school districts, making certain that they received the funding and equipment to which they were entitled. He was particularly proud of his success in behalf of the school at Nicodemus, KS. In later years, Harlan enjoyed substituting in the Topeka and surrounding Shawnee County district schools until he was 80 years old.
Harlan was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship. He had served as their official chaplain and was a past president of the Fellowship.
He was a member and supporter of many diverse groups, among them were: The National Association of Railroad Passengers, Sierra Club, TOSCA, Kansas State Historical Society, Friends of the Topeka Public Library, Shawnee County Historical Society, KTWU, and K-Club.
Harlan was married to Myrtle Alice Patrick on May 24, 1941, in LeRoy, Kansas. They celebrated their 65th Wedding anniversary on May 24, 2006. She survives. Other survivors include his son, Harlan Jennings, Jr., and his wife, Anne Nispel of E. Lansing, Michigan, his daughter, Karen Brown and her husband, William Brown of Newton, Kansas, his son, Dean Jennings of Topeka, and granddaughter, Jennifer Brown of Newton, KS. Two sisters, Myrta Walters of Riley, KS, and Edith Johnson of Wichita, KS, and their children and grandchildren, and several cousins.
Mr. Jennings was cremated. Memorial services will be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, August 10, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4775 S.W. 21st St.. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship or the NAACP.
Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
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