Gene M. Jennings

Gene M. Jennings, age 95, of Fallston, MD, went to be with the Lord on Christmas Day, December 25, 2008 at Gilchrist Center in Towson, MD. Born in Independence, VA, he was the son of the late Charles M. and Mary Matilda Hampton Jennings and was the eleventh of twelve children and the last surviving sibling. His family moved from Independence to Fries, Va in 1919 where many family members worked in the Dan River Cotton Mill. In 1926 the family moved to Glenville where they settled. At 12 years of age, he went to work on Indian Spring Farm, later for T. B. Gatch building roads, and finally in 1940 he went to Aberdeen Proving Grounds as a heavy equipment operator. He retired from there in 1972 with 32 years of service. One of his desires was to own a log home so when he saw one in Federal Hill, he later purchased it, tore it down, and hauled it back to his home in Fallston, where he rebuilt it. It has been toured by many people and is full of unusual antiques. He loved horses, wagons, and carriages, and had many in his collection of horse drawn vehicles. They were used in the surrounding counties for weddings, parades, and special occasions. He had a love of Lancaster County and visited there weekly. He also participated in the 1976 Bicentennial Wagon Train that went to Valley Forge on July 4. Gene loved children and was the Santa Claus at Fallston Methodist Church for many years. On Christmas Eve he would put on his Santa suit and visit neighborhood children, taking them candy. When there was snow on the ground he would hook up the horse and sleigh which thrilled the parents just as much as the kids. Gene was very devoted to his mother and always ready to tell of her hardships. A childhood accident left her with the loss of a leg but she still raised a family of twelve. He was a member of Fallston Methodist Church for 60 years, but recently had attended Oak Grove Baptist Church with his daughter. He was loved by all who knew him and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. Jennings is survived by his wife of 68 years, M. Katherine Smith Jennings of Fallston, MD; and daughter, Karen J. Lloyd of Fallston, MD.

Pallbearers were Jim Torre, Roy Maines, Stephen Hughes, Tom Deck, David Lee, and Cory May. Honorary pallbearers were Blaine Linkous, Bob Mauraro, Bill Watson, Wilbur Iley, Herb Cox, and Dave May.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alzheimers Disease Association, 1850 York Road, Suite D, Timonium, MD 21093-5142.