He was born January 10, 1924, in St. Anthony, Idaho, to James O. Jennings and Audrey Roush Jennings. He grew up in St. Anthony, Parker, and Idaho Falls. After losing his mother at the age of 12, he lived with Dick and Cleotha Lundquist until leaving for the service at the age of 16. He served in the U.S. Army from 1940-1941 and he in Navy Sea Bees from 1943-1946.

On January 30, 1946, he married Ruth Nixon in Dillon, Montana. She died January 18, 1971. On July 15, 1971, he married Dorless Osborn in Idaho Falls. She died January 3, 1977.

He was a proud member of the Operating Engineers Local 370 and worked as a heavy equipment operator throughout the Intermountain West for 55 years. He was a member of the Iona Posse, the Idaho Falls Pomanders square dancing group, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Elks, and the Eagles Lodge.

He enjoyed riding horses, square dancing, reading Louie L'Amour westerns, camping, fishing, rodeos, PBR bull riding, and spending time with his children and grandchildren; he loved animals and was a dog's best friend.

Horses were the love of his life. A kind, loving, hardworking man with a vibrant smile, he never met a stranger. Life is what you make it and learn from others. Gene lived life to its fullest and his legend will continue on through his children and grandchildren, and all those who were so fortunate to be touched by Gene's soul.

He is survived by his daughter, DeAnn Brannan of Stephenson, Washington; 2 sons, Dennis (Julie) Jennings of Prescott, Arizona, and Gregory (Vicky) L. Jennings of Idaho Falls; 2 step-daughters, Karen Flynn of Orange Beach, Alabama, and Rosie Kullman of Snohomish, Washington; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents; both wives, brothers: Roy and Frank Jennings; step-daughters; Gwen Kelley and Marilyn Osborn; son-in-laws; Rich Brannan and Randy Flynn; and a step-sister, Reva Fisher.

Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, September 17, 2007, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St. Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends Sunday from 5-7:00 p.m. at the mortuary and Monday one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery with military rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Team and the Military Honor Guard.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.