John Lawrence Brennan III

Jack, as everyone called him, was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Jul 30, 1939, and passed on to the Lord on Jan 19, 2024 in Niceville, Florida. He was preceded in death by his parents, Macey and John L. Brennan, Jr. He attended Eugene Coyle High School in Kirkwood, Missouri and graduated from St. Louis University. He was commissioned into the US Air Force through AFROTC at St. Louis University. He entered the Air Force on Sep 12, 1961 and retired from the Air Force on May 31, 1989 as a Lt. Col.

His 28-year career in the USAF took him all over the world as a Navigator, Weapons System Operator (WSO), Chief of the Command Post, and a Tactical Air Command (TAC) Standardization/Evaluation inspector. As a WSO, (“back seater” in an RF-4), he had a tour flying reconnaissance missions over North Vietnam. In this assignment, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 oak leaf cluster, and an Air Medal with 14 oak leaf clusters. His other USAF awards and decorations are too numerous to mention. His final assignment at Keesler AFB was an operations officer on the C-130 ABCCC (Airborne Command, Control, and Communications).

While stationed in Korea, he met the love of his life, Lt. Col. Pat Degnan, and they were married while stationed at Shaw AFB on Oct 6, 1979. In 1991 Jack and Pat moved to Niceville, Florida where they blessed the community and their parish with years of devoted service.  They gave of their time, talent and treasures in every way to their parish, Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church. They were instrumental in the planning of the Mardi Gras party and St. Patrick’s Day party.  Jack was a member of the choir while his health permitted. Both were very devoted to the building project that will be breaking ground soon. During their retired years, they were avid dog owners and world travelers.

Jack was a very spiritual person who loved his faith and enjoyed giving to others.  In 1992, he became a Knight at HNJ Council 7667 and was one of the founding fathers of COR Council 13257.  He was a 4th Degree Knight (known as the Patriotic Degree) for 24 years. For many years, he was the Vocations Director responsible for the support of seminarians with monetary gifts and prayers. Jack often took it upon himself to write letters of encouragement to the seminarians. He was devoted to the increase of vocations to the Catholic priesthood. Jack took an active part in all meetings and fund raisers. He loved being a part of the yearly picnic and Christmas party for the residents of Sunland.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia Alice Brennan, sister, Joan DeCota, sister-in-law, Sheila McCarron, niece, Colleen McKenna (Richard), nephews, Michael McCarron (Cathy), and William McCarron, Jr. (Tammy).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church (building fund in memo line) 1028 White Point Road, Niceville, Florida 32578 or Knights of Columbus 13527 (IHO Jack Brennan in memo line) for support of seminarians. Mail to Mr. Lenny Smales, 1403 Ernest Hemingway Drive, Niceville, Florida 32578.

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