Denzel Jennings, Sr.

FARMINGTON Denzel Jennings, Sr. of Farmington passed away Tuesday morning, July 5, 2022 at Mercy Hospital Jefferson in Festus at the age of 90 years. Born October 25, 1931 in Arkansas City, Kansas, he was the son of the late Earl and Mae (Sparks) Jennings. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joann Jennings, a daughter, Cornelia Jennings, two brothers, Hardy and Cecil Jennings and one sister, Gloria Finuf. Denzel worked in the oil and gas industry throughout his entire career and learned the business from the bottom up. As early as high school, he ran his first service station, "Jennings Service" in Arkansas City, Kansas. After marrying and starting his family, he worked many long hours in the oil fields of several Rocky Mountain States and Oklahoma before starting his own business, Jennings Drilling Company with his wife in 1969. What first started out as a water well drilling company expanded to include mineral exploration in Missouri and Arkansas and later oil and gas exploration in Kansas, Alabama, Virginia and Kentucky. Beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Denzel was an avid reader, lifelong learner and supporter of his grandchildrens endeavors. He liked to stay active with his many hobbies including traveling, rock collecting, jewelry making and antiques. He was also active in the Mineral Area Gem & Mineral Society for several years and participated in rock shows throughout the state. With his wife Joann, they initiated the restoration of the historic McCormick House, 324 W. Columbia Street in Farmington and were also instrumental in having it placed on the national Register of Historic Places. He is survived by a son, Denzel E. Jennings, Jr. of Farmington, by two daughters, Jeanniece (Jim) Hassell of Farmington, Kristina (Johnathan) Dunn of Jackson, by a brother, Glen (Sharon) Jennings of Grand Junction, Colorado, by grandchildren, Damon (Lisa) Jennings, Courtney (Steve) Hochman, Kyle (Ricardo) Hassell, Troy (Shannon) Hassell, Brittany DuVall, Chanel (Amy) DuVall and Jordyn Dunn and by great-grandchildren, Zachary, Cayden, Keenan, Noah, Kai, Grayson and Vivian. Several nieces, nephews other relatives and friends also survive. A Remembrance and Celebration of Life for immediate family was held at Cozean Memorial Chapel on Sunday, July 10, 2022. A private graveside service followed with the Rev. Richard Wiskus officiating. He was laid to rest on their wedding anniversary at New Calvary Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials may be directed to the National Lymphoma Society, Boys Town or the National Kidney Foundation. Share your condolences and memories at cozeanfuneralhome.com.