Jack Tennison

Jackie L. “Jack” Tennison, 87, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away April 3, 2026, in Topeka. He was born May 6, 1938, in Buena Vista, Colorado, to Herman Thomas Tennison and Neva Pearl Snyder Tennison. Jack grew up in Lebanon, Missouri. He was a member of First Baptist Church and was saved early in life. As a young man, he worked as a quality checker at a local stave mill and as a grocery store clerk in Lebanon. His mechanical abilities shone through early: he enjoyed tinkering with radios and cars and excelled in woodworking and mechanical drawing in high school. Jack loved his country and was a patriotic and curious person. Wanting to see the world, Jack entered active-duty service in the U.S. Air Force in April 1957. After basic training and tech school, he became an aircraft mechanic and was stationed at Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka, where he met the love of his life, Judy Nelson. They married in 1961 and shared 66 years together, welcoming two children, Martin Lee and Pamela Kay. Jack completed his active-duty Air Force term in 1961 and began work at DuPont, later known as Flexel. For a short time in the mid-seventies, inspired by the Bicentennial, he also owned and operated Jack’s Gun Shop in Burlingame, Kansas, where he built black-powder rifles and provided gunsmithing services. He continued working at DuPont/Flexel and retired in 1995 after 32 years. In 1977, Jack enlisted with the Kansas Air National Guard, 190th Air Refueling Wing, at Forbes Air Force Base. He served as a crew chief on the KC-135 aircraft and attained the rank of technical sergeant. He was able to see the world through missions to multiple overseas locations, most notably serving in Operation Desert Shield/Storm during the Gulf War in 1990. He was honorably discharged from the Air National Guard in 1998. Military awards and decorations include the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Air Force Training Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, and the Army Good Conduct Medal. In retirement, Jack’s love of country and interests continued. He spent time tinkering with cars and motorcycles and enjoyed supporting family and friends in the Kansas Air National Guard. Jack was known for being sociable, funny, and quick-witted. He had many friends, but his family was most precious to him, especially his grandchildren. Jack often videotaped family events. Starting in the early 1960s with an 8mm movie camera, he captured family gatherings and events for decades, creating an archive of cherished memories to enjoy for years to come. Jack is survived by his wife, Judy Tennison of Topeka; his daughter, Pam Tennison-Rindt (Ron) of Maple Hill, Kansas; his daughter-in-law, Karen Tennison of Harveyville, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Dara Gibson (Kelly), Zach Tennison (Renee), Garret Tennison (Melissa), Matthew Tennison (Marisol), Sarah Tennison, Leanne Litton (Taner), Maggie Owens (Kyle), Rachel Smith (Kenton), and Nick Rindt; as well as 19 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Jack was preceded in death by his son, Marty Tennison; his parents; his brothers, sisters, and in-laws. James H. “Junior” Tennison (Lenora), Wayne Tennison (Vontreace), Tom Tennison (Alice), Ralph Tennison (Betty), Rowena Calton (Bill); and an infant sister, Juanita Tennison. He leaves behind a legacy of dedication, service, and love cherished by family and friends. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where visitation will be one-hour prior. Committal service will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, in Rapp Cemetery, 10324 US56, Osage City KS 66523. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Jack Tennison

May 6, 1938 - April 3, 2026