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Bruce M. Jennings
Date Of Birth:March 9, 1952
Date Of Death:January 23, 2011
Service Date:January 27, 2011

Bruce Milo Jennings age 58 of Bloomington passed away at his residence Sunday January 23, 2011. He was born March 9, 1952 in Bloomington to Melvin and Helen Hoff Jennings. Bruce graduated from Bloomington High School in 1970 and then attended Indiana University for 2 years, before being drafted.  Bruce was a Vietnam veteran who served in the U.S. Army in the Saigon area, from 1973-75 and received an honorable discharge. After completing his time of service he obtained his degree at University of Washington. Starting in the early 1980s, “Mel Jennings and Sons” ice vending business was started by Bruce’s Dad, Melvin.  Bruce took over the business after returning home from his military service in Vietnam.  They delivered ice all over Bloomington; to local restaurants, grocery stores, and on campus including at Assembly Hall and at stadium for football games.  From 1988-92 Bruce was employed by the Community Action Program, now known as South Central Community Action Program. Starting in 1992 he was the Program Manager - City of Bloomington at HAND- Housing and Neighborhood Development.  Bruce worked as a program manager for HAND, whose mission includes affordable housing, neighborhood services, rehabilitating and repairing older homes for eligible home owners, and also making existing homes handicap accessible, allowing disabled clients to remain in their homes. As project manager for the City of Bloomington, one of his projects was HMOL (Home Modifications for Assisted Living. Bruce was the recipient of numerous awards. They include; 1991- Housing Service Award by City of Bloomington Community Council on Community Concern;1998—HUD Blue Ribbon Practices in Housing and Community Development for Decent Housing for the Accessible Living Program; 1998—The Housing Service Award by the Bloomington Council for Community Accessibility; 2002—Lead-Safe Indiana Award by Improving Kids Environment for HAND’s comprehensive and aggressive manner of implementing lead poisoning prevention into its decision-making process; 2004—The Professional Service Award by the Bloomington Council on Community Accessibility; 2005—Lead-Safe Indiana Award by Improving Kids Environment recognizing the excellent work that Monroe County had done to reduce the risk of lead poisoning. Bruce was instrumental in this work and a member of the Monroe County Lead-Safe Coalition. Also, for years, Bruce was active in The Boy Scouts of America in Bloomington.  For a time, he was an assistant scoutmaster.  He achieved the honor of Eagle Scout and was also a member of The Order of the Arrow. Bruce was a talented artist and love all kinds of art. He especially enjoyed paintings, oil, pastels, and water colors. He knew a lot about paintings and the artists who created them. He was happy to share this knowledge with others. He shared this passion with Jackie, and they had many good times together in its pursuit. Bruce was hard working, generous, and fun loving man. He loved hosting parties and other get-togethers for friends and family. He is well loved and will be greatly missed by many. Bruce leaves behind his sister Melvann Richardson and her husband J.R. of Bloomington; brother Jack Jennings and his wife Julianne of Martinsville; nephew Jodie Richardson, his wife Loretta and their children Clint, Kurt and Blake; niece Marta Tichenor, her husband Jon and their children Bailey and Griffin; nephew Jay Richardson, his wife Christian and their child Zach Burton; nephew Jon Richardson and Lisa Orme and their children; niece Mandy Miles, husband Jesse and their children Hayden and Claire; nephew Justin Jennings. Bruce also leaves behind his beloved fiance Jackie Moore and her children, daughter Courtney Moore, her husband Josh Goodman and their children Nate and Katie, and Jackie’s son Jeremy Moore. Funeral Services for Bruce will be held Thursday January 27, 2011 at 11:00AM at the Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37. Visitation will be conduced at Allen Funeral Home on Wednesday January 26, 2011 from 3:00PM until 8:00PM. 

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorial contributions may be made to any one ot the following; Area 10 on Aging, 7500 West Reeves Road, Bloomington, IN 47404; Abilities Unlimited 2620 North Walnut St. Ste. 1205, Bloomington, IN 47404; Improving Kids’ Environment, 3951 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org


  • From: Cherly Ann Wilcoxon
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    I worked with Bruce at CAP in the late 1980's and also through the years while I stayed at CAP and he went to the City of Bloomington. I will always remember how much he loved his work and his great sense of humor! I still chuckle when I remember some of the things he would say... Please accept my deepest sympathy... He will definately be missed!


  • From: Janet  Lyle
    Location:Black Lumber Company

    You have our deepest condolences. The staff at Black Lumber held Bruce in the highest regard.


  • From: Linda  Nicholson
    Location:Bloomington, Indiana

    May Bruce's memory be as a blessing to you as it is to me. I will forever remember his kindness to me - helping to redesign my front yard for Bloomington in Bloom. My father died the day that Bruce started to work on my front yard -- his gentle kindness to me helped with my grief. He worked alongside his Department in HAND -- digging in the dirt, placing paving stones, raking mulch -- it was obvious how loved and respected he was to everyone that was helping on the project. As he was resting on my porch drinking sugarless tea while I cried softly over my Dad's passing, Bruce told me that his purpose in life was helping others and it was a pleasure to help me and God would give me strength. I pray that God gives strength to all of those that loved Bruce and know that his rich life of kindness will be remembered always. Love and Peace, Linda Nicholson


  • From: Dianna Hancock
    Location:Ellettsville

    Jackie and Family, Praying for God's Grace and Embrace to help you all through this time of shock, grief and adjustment. God's support and your abundance of Sweet Memories will carry you through. Blessings to you all, Dianna L. Hancock


  • From: Greg & Jane Daniels
    Location:Bloomington

    Our breath has been taken away with the news of Bruce's passing. He was a dear friend many years ago and we both were excited when we would run into him occasionally in the past few years. We send Bruce's family and friends our prayers and wishes for strength in this difficult time. We loved him and will miss seeing his smiling face in this community.


  • From: Suzanne  Faulk
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    I was deeply saddened by the news of Bruce's passing. I had the pleasure of knowing him through HAND and he was always kind and considerate. I will keep the family in prayer as you go through this difficult time. May God sustain you as only He can.


  • From: Kim  Manlove
    Location:Indianapolis Indiana

    Though it has been many decades since I had seen or talked much with Bruce the news of his passing touched a part deep in my memory and my heart. My remembrances are of a young man who was a kind and generous friend in junior and senior high school. He always had a warm smile and a gentle manner about him that I know now was spawned by his innate humility and compassion for others. As I look over the wonderful words, that I appreciate only begin to, ennumerate the essence of who Bruce had become...is and always will be....I feel both grateful for knowing him as a young man and yet a bit sorry that we had not kept in better touch. God speed my childhood friend. Kim


  • From: Dirk & Sherry Bland
    Location:Kenny Bland Auctions

    Bruce will be sadly missed. We had many fond memories over the years and his family will be in our thoughts for long time to come. Thoughtful and Kindness are two words that come to mind.


  • From: Mrs. Eleanor (Tina) Clemons (Koch)
    Location:West Palm Beach FL.

    Though really all I remember about Bruce, was his smile, and a friendly attitude, I didn't really know him at all. But I did want to let it be known, had I known him at all, he would have had a kindred spirit to that of my grandmother Bennie Koch, who also had many services that she worked with for the City of Bloomington. I am saddened to know that he has gone, and not really have known his gentleness to the extent that many others got to know him with. I am glad to say that he has served well from I have seen here . May the Lord Jesus Christ recieve him for all he has attempted to do, and I trust that with his many kind deeds that he did have relationship with Him. I hope that when I come to that point that he too will be in the throng of the many believers in Heaven to share and rejoice in Faith in Jesus Christ.


  • From: Patti  Case
    Location:Bloomington

    I cannot remember ever not knowing Bruce as his father worked with mine at RCA and then we were in school together, graduating together in 1970. Bruce was a wonderful person and I have enjoyed reading about his passion for his work. My heartfelt sympathies go out to his fiancee and the rest of the family. Rest in peace old friend!


  • From: Connie Axsom
    Location:Bloomington

    Jackie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Connie (ct8)


  • From: Simeon Baker
    Location:Bloomington, Indiana

    Bruce and I were members of the Monroe County Lead-Safe Coalition. Our group will miss his dedication and expertise in keeping area residents lead-safe. I always enjoyed Bruce's presentations at the annual Lead-Safe Conferences that we attended together. My condolences go out to family members, friends and co-workers of Bruce. Simeon Baker Monroe County Health Department


  • From: Mark Ginter
    Location:Russiaville, IN

    My thoughts and prayers are with you. I worked for Bruce at Jennings Party Ice between high school and college. He always had a great sense of humor and was a lot of fun to work with. He was always thinking of others. I was glad that I had the opportunity to spend time with him. God Bless!


  • From: Jerry and Tobi  Mills
    Location:Midwest Heating Bloomington IN

    Truly a great man with a great heart that helped many. Tobi and I will miss you greatly,our deepest condolences to the family.