Bob and Linda met at the Jennings Market nearly 60 years ago. Bob describes himself as a “city boy” from the big town of Butler, while Linda grew up on a farm west of Adrian. Their first date was a church function at a Youth for Christ Baptist youth group. They married in August 1970 after Bob graduated CMSU, and have now celebrated 55 years of marriage. They have two children and four grandchildren.
Bob’s family owned and operated Jennings Market, a Butler fixture for 75 years—from 1933 to 2008—spanning three generations of Jennings family ownership. Bob notes that Jennings Market was the oldest store served by Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG). Although he was sad to see the store close, he quickly transitioned to Butler Music, where he worked until about 2018.
Linda, after graduation from Adrian High School, took nursing classes through Research Hospital, and has been a registered nurse for more than 40 years. She began her career working for a surgeon in Kansas City, then worked at Bates County Memorial Hospital from 1986 to 2011. In 2012 Linda went to work at Crystal Manor in Adrian until 2020.
Today, she continues to serve on the hospital board and volunteers regularly. Bob often says it was a blessing to marry a nurse, as she has helped him through various health challenges over the years.
When asked why they joined the Posse, Bob and Linda shared that they enjoy the camaraderie and wanted to support the Bates County Sheriff's Office. They have witnessed firsthand the positive impact the Sheriff’s Office has had in the community and felt joining the Posse was a meaningful way to elevate, support, and give back to those who serve our county.
The Sheriff jokingly asked them, “Who’s the boss?”—a question that sparked laughter from both. Bob replied, “Well, it’s both and neither,” while Linda added that they’ve learned it’s always best to work together. “Two people carry a load a lot easier than one,” she said.
Bob recalled that when they married, he—“the city boy”—became a farm boy, where they worked side by side, helping Linda’s family on the farm; building and repairing fence, feeding cattle in freezing weather, working livestock, and tackling all the challenges of farm life. Linda proudly noted that Bob adapted well and worked hard.
Perhaps that spirit of teamwork is why they continue to volunteer together so often.
Beyond the Posse, Bob and Linda remain deeply involved in community service. Linda serves on the Hospital Board, the Bates County Community Health Foundation, the Senior Center Meals program, and leads a senior exercise group. Linda participates in the Silver Haired Legislature, advocating for senior initiatives at the state level. They also assist with the Bates County YMCA Grocery Bag Food Donation program each summer, sponsored by the Nevada YMCA. They hope to see a YMCA established in Bates County one day.
Bob sits on the BaCo Transport board, coordinates the drivers and dispatchers, then fills in as a driver dispatcher. Bob also helps when Linda volunteers him to help in some of her projects like the Silver Haired Legislature.
When asked about hobbies, Bob says he enjoys woodworking and fishing, and Linda enjoys sewing.
Bob and Linda Jennings embody the heart of service, partnership, and community spirit. The Bates County Sheriff’s Posse is honored to have them among our members, where they serve willingly and tirelessly! We thank them for the countless ways they continue to strengthen and support our county.