Robert Dean Jennings

Robert Dean “Bob” Jennings, 94, of Topeka, died peacefully with his daughter, Valerie, by his side Thursday, February 13, 2025.

He was born November 19, 1930, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Gordon and Amelia (Zachariasen) Jennings. He was proud to have grown up in the Oakland community during the 1930’s and 1940’s. He graduated from Topeka High School in 1948 and furthered his education at Washburn University on a full ride football scholarship where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Education. He completed his Masters of Education degree at Emporia State Teacher’s College, while teaching and coaching in Topeka USD 501. 

Throughout his career in education, Bob received numerous awards and recognitions as a football coach, teacher, administrator and mentor to countless students and student athletes. He was awarded Football Coach of the Year for Kansas in the early 1960’s.

Bob married Patricia Ann Wilderman in Topeka on August 20, 1952. It was the first wedding conducted in the new Gage Park Baptist Church. Bob and Pat were blessed with a happy marriage and had innumerable pleasant memories raising their two daughters, time with good friends and international travel. Travel was always a high priority for Bob and Pat. From the first year of their marriage and every summer after, they traveled to destinations in the USA and overseas. After retirement they continued their extensive global travels.

He is survived by daughters, Andrea May (Brad) of Missoula, MT and Valerie Jennings of Shawnee, KS; four grandchildren, Jared Hothan (Terra), Darwin May, Emily Demo (Andrew), Ashleigh Charara (Nadim); eight great-grandchildren, Grayson and Isla Hothan, Taylor, Jayden and Carson Dexter, Inoa Charara, and Henry, Meyer and Baby Demo, who is expected May 2025.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Patricia Jennings, parents, siblings, Merle Jennings, Joan Parker and Rodene Toulouse; and son-in-law, Lawrence “Larry” Meyer (late husband of Valerie).

Cremation is planned. There will be an informal gathering of family and friends to celebrate his life from 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m., Friday, February 28, 2025 at Dove Cremations & Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66610.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Washburn University, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, KS 66604 or online at https://www.wualumni.org/g/givenow under the Washburn University General Scholarship Fund or to the Topeka High Historical Society online at https://thshistoricalsociety.kindful.com/?campaign=1083518.

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