Jennings Whitman, 92, of Hallettsville, went to Heaven to be with God on Monday, April 1, 2013. He was born on Dec. 4, 1920, in Beauregard Parish, Louisiana, to Docia Ellen Dickerson Whitman and Jim Simuel Whitman of Louisiana.

Jennings mother passed away when he was 4, and his father passed when he was 5. He then was passed to siblings, Aunts and Uncles, never having a forever home until he was 18, when he joined the Army. He served in the Army for 5 years and upon discharge he enlisted into the Air Force. Jennings retired from the Air Force after 20 years, 6 months and 23 days of active service. Upon retirement with an Honorable Discharge as a Master Sargent, and receiving many service medals, including the Bronze Star, Jennings had a true love for the service and was a World War II Veteran. Jennings went to work for TexSport, an Army Surplus Warehouse, and retired in 1982.

Jennings married Merle Barnes Johnson on August 19, 1975, and they moved to Hallettsville in 1982.

Jennings loved to sit on his back porch and shoot squirrels, take care of his yard and pick pecans. Jennings met Robert & Pat Kessler after Robert worked on his Air Conditioner in the early 80's. Robert and Jennings enjoyed taking care of cattle and "Bushhogging" as Jennings called it. Jennings and Merle were an active part of their daughters', Christine and Bobbie Sue's lives and were considered Bobbie Sue's step in grandparents. For school functions and dance recitals, Jennings and Merle were always there. After losing his wife Merle in 2009, Jennings called good friends Pat and Robert Kessler to ask if he could stay with them. The last years of his life were spent sitting on their front porch and watching nature and enjoying watching their grandkids grow up. Jennings held a special place in the hearts of the Kessler family and was considered a Grandfather to the girls and grandkids. Pat was more than a caretaker for Jennings. Jennings told many who thought Pat was his daughter, "no she wasn't his daughter, but she was all he had." The last few years of his life were filled with many wonderful memories and lots of time spent doing the things he enjoyed.

Jennings is survived by: his very dear friends Robert & Pat Kessler and their daughters, Christine Machart & husband Kevin and their children Brooke and Toni, and Bobbie Sue Jalufka & husband Mark and their children Brynn, Kaid and Easton; step son Douglas Johnson & wife Kathy and their daughters Rachael; step daughter Barbara Coker & husband Allen and their sons Randy and Jon.

Jennings was preceded in death by: his loving wife Merle; his former wife Inez; his parents; 3 brothers; and 2 sisters

Jennings was a member of the Lavaca Memorial VFW Post 6382 of Hallettsville, and the Methodist Church.

Funeral Service: 11 am, Thursday, April 4, 2013, at Kubena Funeral Home. Visitation: 9 am, Thursday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. Sheldon Johnson. Pallbearers: Robert Kessler, Kevin Machart, Mark Jalufka, Claude Barnes, Douglas Johnson, and Mike Loewe. Honorary Pallbearers: Christine Machart and Bobbie Sue Jalufka. Memorials: VFW Post 6382. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery.