Obituary of Larry Franklin Jennette

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Larry F. Jennette, age 86, died of natural causes on August 31, 2021, in Palm Bay, Florida.

LTC Larry Jennette is survived by his wife, Jacqueline; his daughter Debbi Brown of Williamsburg, Virginia, son-in-law Robb Brown; and son, Larry F. Jennette, Jr., of Denver, Colorado and daughter-in-law, Kimberly Jennette.  He also leaves behind one grandchild, Christopher Jennette.   He was preceded in death by his other grandson, Daniel.  

LTC Jennette was a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he served two tours, receiving the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for heroism in saving the lives of others during his tour in 1965.  He was severely wounded in the 1965 engagement spending over one year in the Portsmouth Naval Hospital for his recovery.  He returned for a follow-up tour of duty in the Vietnam War in 1970.   LTC Jennette was born at Fort Story, Virginia, where his father served in the U.S. Lighthouse Service as the lighthouse keeper for the renowned Cape Henry Lighthouse.   LTC Jennette was born in the Cape Henry lighthouse keeper quarters and grew up on Fort Story.   His two uncles also served in the U.S. Lighthouse Service for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in the Outer Banks, North Carolina.  LTC Jennette’s two older brothers, Alton Jennette (Merchant Marines) and Carl Jennette (U.S. Navy) served in World War II.  LTC Jennette attended Virginia Military Institute (VMI) and, as a young adult, joined the U.S. Army in which he began a distinguished military career lasting over 25 years.  He was proud to serve his country.   LTC Jennette was outgoing, friendly with a very generous spirit and liked by all.  He is loved and missed greatly.

LTC Larry Jennette will be interred at the Arlington National Cemetery