Victor A. “Deke” Jennings

Victor A. “Deke” Jennings, 68 died Friday, December 2, 2016 in Kearny County, Kansas. He was born December 3, 1947 in Garden City, Kansas the son of Otis W. & Shirley Mae (Haflich) Jennings.
As a child, Deke attended Theoni School in Rural Finney County. He moved with his family to Lakin, Kansas in 1962. Deke then attended Lakin schools and graduated from Lakin High School in 1966. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from August of 1967 to March of 1969. After the service, Deke returned to Lakin. He was the proud owner and operator of 
J&J Rodeo Co. He also worked in farming, was a stockman, and for more than 35 years, worked as owner and operator of Jennings Custom Cattle Work where he processed cattle for various feed yards. Deke was a member of the Kearny County Saddle Club, the NRA, AQHA, KPRA, MSRA, NSRA, NLBRA, and NHSRA. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, and spending time with his family.
On September 6, 1980, Deke married Kim Hornbaker in Lakin, Kansas. She died on January 20, 2012. Deke is also preceded in death by his parents; a sister Marilyn K. “Jo” Vanatta; and a brother William R. “Bill” Jennings.
Survivors include a brother Wayne Otis “Bud” & wife Margaret Jennings of Lakin, Kansas; two sisters Rebecca J. & husband Dick Grusing of Kendall, Kansas and Rita Mae & husband Terry DeVaughan of Kendall, Kansas; his companion Myke Grasmick and her children Bailey Grasmick and Tyler Grasmick all of Lakin; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at the United Methodist Church in Lakin with Rev. Aaron Duell officiating. Burial will follow at the Lakin Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Kansas Reserve Army National Guard Honor Guard and the American Legion District #8 Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday at Garnand Funeral Home in Lakin. The family request memorials given to the Deke & Kim Jennings Memorial Scholarship Program for the Kansas High School Rodeo Association in care of Garnand Funeral Home of Lakin.