Leon Patrick Jennings

Graced by the love of Jesus, Leon “Red” Jennings, age 82, of St. Peters, Missouri, entered eternal life on May 28, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born on November 16, 1943, in East St. Louis, Illinois, Red was the beloved first-born son of Leon and Dorothy Jennings. He graduated from Assumption High School, served in the U.S. Army Reserves, and, while he began his career working to support his family as a young boy, retired after thirty-years at Mallinckrodt, Inc. Not surprisingly, Red continued working into his late 70s; no task was too big or too small if he felt he could be of service. His tireless work ethic was second only to his dedication to his family and friends, and he would stop at nothing to take care of them. Red was a fiercely loyal protector of those he loved, and he made everyone feel like they were his favorite.

Red will be remembered fondly by countless people who were lucky enough to hear one of his stories, his yelling from the sidelines of one of his kids’ sporting events, his stringing together a record-setting number of curse words, and the many nicknames he gave people (sometimes appropriate). Those truly fortunate also heard his words of deep caring, encouragement, and love.

In his final months, he exuded joy and kindness with a heartwarming innocence that confirmed his heart was made of pure gold. He loved his time at the Forget Me Not day program with “the old people,” as he called them, and he rejoiced in every moment he spent with his family. This wonderful man will live on in our hearts through the thousands of memorable moments we shared.

Red is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Joan, his sons Timothy (Malena), Thomas (Barbara), Kevin (Susan), his daughter Susanne Mombelli (Roland), and his sister Brenda Aromowicz. He is adored by his grandchildren, Justin, Andrew, Jason, Allyson, Amanda Straka (Eric), Claire, Kate, Caroline, Elena, and Brendan, his great-grandson Luka, and countless nieces, nephews, and friends. Red is welcomed in Heaven by his dear mother Dorothy, his father Leon, his sister Judith Marchand, his brothers John (Debbie) and Bobby, his son-in-law Gary Blackwell, and so many others who undoubtedly greeted him with an epic celebration.

Visitation to honor Red will be held on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Baue Funeral Home Cave Springs from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sts. Joachim & Ann Catholic Church on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with a burial to follow at St. Charles Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the fabulous day facility that brought Red so much joy in recent months, Forget Me Not Adult Day Services, LLC.