Richard R. Jennings

Richard R. Jennings passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 surrounded by his adoring family. He was taken from us far too early by cancer.

Dick was born in Lewistown, Mont., on March 21, 1942 and stayed until he was a sophomore in high school when his family moved to Malta, Mont. It was then and there that he met and eventually married his true love, Donna Thompson. Dick also started his illustrious career in the grocery business at the Buttrey Food Store in Malta when he was only 17. He worked his way up from delivery boy to store assistant manager in only 10 years and was one of the youngest managers of a Buttrey Super Store in the chain's history. From there he decided to buy his own grocery store and moved his young family from Pendleton, Ore., to Bigfork, Mont., where he co-owned and operated an IGA Grocery Store.

In 1976, Dick went on another professional adventure by becoming an independent owner/operator truck driver. He drove for eleven years and accumulated over 1 million accident free miles in his truck. He and Donna moved to Helena in 1989 where he became a Housing Technician and Section 8 Agent for the Helena Housing Authority. He especially loved working with and helping the kids in the program and started the Helena Boys and Girls Club. After 15 years of public service, he semi-retired to Lewistown.

Throughout his life, Dick was active in his community whether it was being a class officer in high school, president of the Jaycees, a member of the Chamber of Commerce or director of the golf club. He believed that a handshake was as good as his word and helping a neighbor in need was the right thing to do. He loved being involved with farming and ranching, and more so, the friends he made in that environment.

More than anything, Dick was the world's greatest husband and dad! He and Donna were married over 55 years and did everything together. He loved his kids, Scott and Lisa, unconditionally and was always there for them.

Dick was preceded in death by his mother, Ethel Jennings, father, Lyle Jennings and brother, Larry Jennings. He is survived by his wife Donna, son Scott (Shelly), daughter Lisa Hill (Blair) and grandsons, Adam and Eric, sister Sandy Whitaker (Jim) and their three sons and families, nephew Larry Jennings (Paige) and family, stepbrother L.D Jennings and stepsister Carol Gray.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on August 20 at the Creel Funeral Home in Lewistown.