Ralph Lee Jennings, age 87, of North Platte, NE passed away July 21, 2022 at Great Plains Health in North Platte. He was born on November 22, 1934 west of Sutherland, NE to Edward & Mary (Miller) Jennings. According to Ralph, he was the longest living Jennings male. He earned the title in 2020 when he turned 86 and has a trophy to prove it.
The family moved to North Platte where Ralph attended school, graduating with the Class of 1953. Following graduation, he worked for a couple of years in Wyoming and then joined the United States Navy in 1955. He was honorably discharged in 1959. Upon returning to North Platte, Ralph went to work for Game & Parks Commission where he worked until 1975.
Ralph married Kathy Manners of Cozad in 1961 and had two children, Kimberly and Kurt. The couple later divorced.
In 1970, Ralph started building the kennel west on State Farm Road. He ran the kennel until 1982. Ralph built and remodeled several houses. He built caskets, urns and rustic furniture, which he continued to do until he was 84 years old. He purchased his dream homestead south of North Platte and remodeled it in his own unique rustic style.
Ralph was preceded in death by everyone who has died before him, including his parents, Edward & Mary Jennings; siblings, Nettie Frost, Bonnie Neely, Dale Jennings, Dixie Greenwood; and most recently, his dog, Paris, who died 24 hours prior to Ralph's passing.
Survivors include his ridiculously good looking children, Kimberly Jennings and Kurt (Candy) Jennings; his grandchildren, Garret, Elizabeth, Cori, Ryan, and Sean; and numerous other family members and friends.
Memorials are suggested in Ralph's name. Online condolences may be shared at www.adasmswanson.com.
Services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE. Visitation will be held from noon t- 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements. For those who are unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at www.adamsswanson.com.