Phillip D. Jennings

Phillip Dale Jennings passed away February 4, 2024. Phillip is survived by his wife, Debra Jennings; daughter, Cammie White; son-in-law, Jeff White; granddaughters, Cora Jo White and Caitlyn Beverly White; brothers, Steve Jennings and Brian Jennings; and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his mother, Mary Jennings, his father, C. Wayne Jennings, and brother, David Jennings.

Phillip was born July 18, 1955. Growing up, his family moved around and spent time in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Iowa. A graduate of the class of 1973 at Central High School in Davenport, Iowa, Phil competed on the swim team during his time there. After high school, he attended Oklahoma State University and graduated in 1978 with a degree in Electrical Power Technology. Phil worked for Missouri Public Service Company from 1978 until 1988 when he transitioned to Kansas City Power & Light to be a Transmission System Operator. He stayed with KCP&L for 28 years until he retired in 2016. During his career, he was an active member of the American Power Dispatchers Association and held numerous offices including President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. One of his many achievements with this organization was the implementation of an annual scholarship awarded to a graduating high school senior.

Phillip was just as involved with his family as he was with his work. When Cammie was in elementary school, Phillip was a member of the PTA and served on the PTA board to be involved with her activities. Additionally, Cammie was active in the Girl Scouts, so Phil decided to train to become a rappel master to be able to volunteer and participate along with her. He wanted to spend as much time as possible with Cammie, which is how he was convinced to dance in the father/daughter routine at her dance recital, schlep musical instruments around as a band parent, and chaperone a group of high school students in New York City where they were to play at Carnegie Hall.

Phillip was a loving husband, a devoted father, a proud grandfather, a good brother and friend, who would always offer a helping hand as needed. He had a heart of gold, always saw the best in people, and was considerate of everyone’s feelings.

We will all miss Phil and his kind heart and calm demeanor. You are a better person for knowing Phil.

Visitation will be 6-8PM, Tuesday, March 5 at Park Lawn Funeral Home, 8251 Hillcrest Rd., Kansas City, Missouri.  Funeral services will be 10AM, Wednesday, March 6 at Park Lawn Funeral Home; burial in Green Lawn Cemetery.