Kenneth Eugene Jennings, 64 of Independence, Mo., formerly of Holden died Sunday, April 13, at Center Point Medical Center in Independence.

Funeral services will be held on 10 a.m., Thursday, April 17, at Elm Springs Baptist Church located on 570 NW 1601 Road, Kingsville, Mo.

Kenneth was born Nov. 21, 1949, in Kansas City, Mo., the son of Alvin Ken Jennings and Lucille Frances (Gordon) Jennings. He was raised on the family farm north of Holden and graduated from Holden High School in 1967. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Following his discharge from active duty, Kenneth graduated from University of Central Missouri with a Bachelor of Science degree in agribusiness. Shortly after, he moved to Independence where he went to work for the 7-11 Convenience Store chain for several years. Kenneth was united in marriage to Sylvia Dawn Ware on Feb. 17, 1979, at Elm Springs Baptist Church. He eventually became employed with the Internal Revenue Service, retiring in 2007 following 30 years of service. He was a member of Holden FFA He was the Star Farmer in 1967. Kenneth was a member of the All-Together 4-H Club. He was also a longtime member of Elm Springs Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; parents, Kenneth and Lucille Jennings of Holden, Mo.; daughter, Janene Jennings of Independence; sons, Jerome Jennings of Independence and Jeremy Jennings of Independence; stepdaughter, Christina Parrino of Independence; stepson, Matthew Hey of Baldwin City, Kan.; sisters, Linda Brown and husband, Warren of Liberty, Mo. and Rosalee Wilson and husband, Rob of Lenexa, Kan.; brother, Larry Jennings of Holden; step grandchildren, Christyle Parrino and Sterling Parrino and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.