NORWICH – Herbert “Herb ”Nelson Jennings, 96 years young, of South Plymouth and Norwich, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2009.
Born in January of 1913 to Herbert G. and Euphemia Crammond Jennings in Detroit, Mich., Herb was educated in Indianapolis, Ind. He developed a strong sense of respect for himself and others at a young age and learned the importance of responsibility, humility, and good humor. His value system was strengthened and refined over his lifetime. He was well loved and respected by those privileged to know him.
Herb proudly served his country in the United States Navy for two tours of duty. He first enlisted as a seaman in 1929 at the age of 16 with parental permission, serving until 1931. In 1944, he was drafted into service again at the age of 30 and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II aboard the Landing Ship Medium (LSM) 106.
Herb’s first-hand accounts of his experience were documented in an oral history compiled by close family member and friend Ms. Connie Brauer of Yonkers, for inclusion in the Veteran’s History Project for the Library of Congress. This project was designed so that the experiences of the United States veterans would be passed on for posterity.
After leaving the military, Herb excelled in the business world. His natural people skills led him to management positions with Bendix and the Sidney Golf and Country Club, as well as in retail with Montgomery Ward and as assistant manager of W.T. Grant Company. His heart was best served as a proud salesman with S&S Appliances in Norwich and Hamilton. His distinctive twinkling blue eyes, friendly personality, and vast product knowledge made him an indispensable asset to the business owned by his business associate and the son of his heart, Norwich businessman Tom Brauer.
Family was a vital part of Herb’s life. He was married to his childhood sweetheart, Margaret “Marge” DeCuypere for 30 years until her death in 1961. He was married to his second wife, Barbara “Barb” Schletterer, for 32 years until her death in 2000. Although he had no children of his own, he became the patriarch of the Jennings/Crammond family as the sole surviving sibling of four brothers and one sister. He was indeed the hub of the family and undisputed family historian. He believed deeply in the worth of each family member and went to great lengths to teach the younger generations about their Scottish and English heritage. His exemplary recall was of great service to his family in genealogical research. He had great respect for his parents and their contributions to society, and was especially proud of the accomplishments of his father, Herbert G. Jennings, and all that he did to improve life in the town of Norwich. Herb was also blessed to have an exceptional family relationship with the Brauer family, truly becoming a member of their family and they of his. Sharing favorite times together, boating, and fishing at the Brauer home on the lake at Plymouth Reservoir were the highlights of Herb’s later life.
His life was made richer by his closeness with the Brauers and he will be remembered fondly by Tom and his wife Joan of South Plymouth and their family: Thomas IV of New York City, Daniel of Hawaii, Melissa of Binghamton and Kurt of Norwich; Mrs. Connie Brauer of New York City and Plymouth Reservoir, and all the other members of the Brauer family. He will also be remembered by a host of friends far and wide, as well as the entire staff of S&S TV and Appliances.
Herb is survived by his sister-in-law, Joyce Jennings of Charlotte, N.C.; nieces Molly Ducote, Janis and Warren Mayeux, and Claudia and Robert DeGraff and their families, all of Baton Rouge, La.; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and the entire Brauer family. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marge Jennings, wife Barb Jennings, brother Ted and wife Didi, brother Frank, brother Harold, and sister Ruth Weston and husband Alex.
Greatly loved, deeply missed, and forever remembered. Herb Jennings was a person of whom others can say, “There walked a good man.”
Graveside services for Herb, with full military rites, will be held in the spring at a time and date to be announced. There will be no calling hours.
Please consider memorial contributions in Herb’s name to Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, New York 13815.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.