Johnnie Lynn Jennings

Johnnie "Abe" Lynn Jennings, aged 81, passed away on December 24, 2025, in Minelo, Texas. He was born on December 1, 1944, in Lebanon, Oklahoma, to the late Alvin Luther Jennings and Eva Oretha (Armour) Jennings. Arrangements for cremation are being handled by Alexander Gray Funeral Home and Crematory in Healdton.

Johnnie was raised in Elmore City, where he attended school. Throughout his youth, he demonstrated a strong work ethic, beginning with picking cotton in both Oklahoma and Texas. He relocated to Lubbock, Texas, during the 1950s and became a skilled “fix and fly” airplane mechanic at Littlefield Airport by the age of 14. In the 1960s, Johnnie moved to California, where he held various jobs before finding his calling in construction. He returned to Oklahoma in the mid-1970s to raise his family, working for Oscar Ruth for a brief period before establishing his own plumbing business.

Johnnie was known for his love of treasure hunting, particularly for spider rock treasure, as well as for the joy he found in family gatherings. He was a talented storyteller and enjoyed sharing music and laughter with those around him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, three children—Luke, Mendy, and Chance—a sister, Mariana Clark, and two brothers, Joe and Ken Jennings.

Johnnie is survived by his son, Waylon Jennings, and wife Kim of Healdton; Zack Jackson and Ashley Jackson, both of Healdton; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and brothers Dewayne Jennings and wife Marilyn, Ronnie Jennings, Dell Jennings and wife Sondra, and Jerry Jennings, all of Healdton, along with many other family members and friends.

The family plans to hold a memorial service at a later date to honor Johnnie’s life and legacy.