Claude Howard Jennings

SIOUX CITY -- Claude H. Jennings, 72, of Sioux City passed away Monday, April 11, 2011, at his residence comforted by family.

Services will be 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 15, 2011 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel, with the Rev. Johnny Helton officiating. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, with the family present at 6 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Claude was born Nov. 9, 1938, in Jefferson, S.D., to Cornelius J. and Josephine M. (Horton) Jennings. He received his education in Sioux City, graduating from Central High School. In his youth, Claude boxed in the Golden Gloves, often called the headless boxer.

He married Barbara Thompson on Oct. 5, 1957, in Elk Point, S.D. The couple later divorced. He delivered dairy for Roberts Dairy for 20 years before purchasing his route and owned and operated Jennings Distributing for more than 20 years. In 1985, Claude met the love of his life, Dusty Sanderson, and in May of this year, they would have enjoyed a full 26 years together.

He was a Scoutmaster, enjoying his four Eagle Scout accomplishments as well as enjoying camping, hunting, fishing, boating and four-wheeling. Claude loved to play piano and keyboards, especially during family get-togethers. He was a member of the Missouri River Boat Club (MRBC) for more than 20 years. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

Claude is survived by the love of his life, Dusty Sanderson of Sioux City; daughters, Laura Jennings of Onawa, Iowa, Lisa Heck and her husband, Todd of Greenville, Iowa, and Lynda Jennings-Franke and her husband, Larry Franke of Sioux City; sons, Steven Jennings and his wife, Lori of Spencer, Iowa, Ronald Winters of Eagle Grove, Iowa, and Matthew Jennings and his fiancee, Brooke Franke of Sioux City; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jonathan Winters; brothers, Jay and Ross; along with infant brother, Delbert Jennings.