Jerry L. Brennan

Jerry Lawrence Brennan, age 87, of Florida and Quincy, died on Friday, September 29, 2023, in Quincy, surrounded by family.

Jerry was born on January 7, 1936, in Moberly, Missouri, the son off Jewell Crystal (Olds) and William Delphin Brennan.

Everyone dies, but not everyone lives. Jerry lived life to the fullest. Born into poverty, his mother passed away a few weeks later. Raised by his father and several grandparents, growing up was tough. He credits his football coach and a math teacher for seeing his potential and inspiring him to go on to college where he studied engineering and joined the Air Force ROTC.

Before Jerry was called for active duty, he was a test flight engineer on the KC135 (later the commercial Boeing 707). Renowned pilot, Tex Johnson, a co-pilot, and Jerry were the only crew as the plane was put through dangerous maneuvers to test the structural integrity of the airplane.

During his service in the Air Force, he had the honor and duty of signing the order for the first Air Force One jet aircraft.

After the Air Force, he returned to the Midwest and joined his father at Brennan Homes. They built houses, named several streets in Quincy, and developed several subdivisions, including Holiday Hills and Town & Country.

He met the love of his life due to a little luck and a smidge of vanity, at a bowling alley in their hometown of Moberly, Missouri. She didn’t wear her glasses and mistook him for someone she knew, smiling and waving. He took her dancing on their first date and as they looked into each other’s eyes, knew she was the one. Six weeks later they were engaged and six weeks after that, they married. This June, Jerry and Paula celebrated 63 years.

His father passed away and after the probate of his father’s estate, Jerry decided to become a lawyer and headed to law school. For several years he both practiced law and managed his building business. As hard as he worked, he always took time to play. He loved golf, bridge, and vacations.

His daughters, each followed in his footsteps in their own way. Babs became a lawyer and they practiced together for many years. Val spent several years as a professional golfer and working in the golf business.

As the family expanded with four grandchildren (Laurel, Jacob, Emily & David) the vacations continued. We have so many beautiful memories and are grateful that we were able to hold his hand as he entered the great golf course in the sky.

In addition to his wife, Paula, Jerry is survived by his two daughters, Babs Brennan, and Val Brennan and her partner Sue Ertl; and four grandchildren, Laurel and her husband Timothy, Jacob and his wife Shannen, Emily and David. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-mother, Ruby Brennan.

Visitation: 4:00 to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home.

Memorial Service: 6:00 pm on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home with Major Herb Fuqua officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Blessing Hospice. Memorial donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com/

Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.