Benjamin F. Jennings

Retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, died January 13, 2014 at Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton, WA. Better known to his friends as Frank, he was born September 9, 1926 in Hunters, WA to the late Benjamin Franklin Jennings and Mabel Minnie Friske Jennings. While attending West Seattle High School, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1943. Rising in rank, Frank was eventually accepted into the Navy's Limited Duty Officer Program and retired in 1973. Having served in WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, he received numerous awards and decorations throughout his naval career as a Navy Aviation Ordnanceman.On February 15, 1948 in Wenatchee, WA, he married Florence Marie Demarest, daughter of the late James Edson Demarest and Emma Schockschneider. Frank and Florence balanced raising a family of three boys, Ben, Doug, and Mike, with the demands of Frank's career in the Navy. After Frank's retirement from the Navy in 1973, the family settled in Poulsbo, WA, where he was employed by the Gould, Vitro, and Honeywell Corporations until his final retirement in July 1988. Frank and Florence enjoyed traveling the United States until Florence's death on January 30, 1991. He later married Lynn Cannon, to whom he remained married until her death on February 19, 2008.Frank was a member of the Good Sam's Club of North Kitsap, through which he again enjoyed traveling and made many dear friends. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners International, as well as the State, National, and International REACT Organization, where he served in board positions. He had a long time affiliation with the Association of Aviation Ordnancemen also known as the Red Shirts. Frank was honored to participate in the Honor Flight Program, which takes WWII veterans to the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C. He is preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Mary Robbins. He is survived by two sisters, Bettie Jennings and Mina Rogers, and by his three sons, five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.Frank was proud to serve his country, he dearly loved his family, and he was always ready to share a story. He will always be remembered as a very giving man to family and friends.His ashes will be interred in a private ceremony at Mountain View Cemetery in Poulsbo, WA. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date, to be announced.The family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who provided Frank with care and companionship, as well as the outstanding and compassionate staff of the Harrison Medical Center.In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Frank's name to the Shriners Hospitals for Children.