Donald Allen Penner Obituary
Description: Donald Allen Penner Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...
DONALD ALLEN PENNER
Sept 2, 1944 - Dec 19, 2023
Age 79
Obituary
"Well Done Thy Good and Faithful Servant, Enter Into Your Rest" -December 19, 2023
We celebrate the life and loving legacy of our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His many adventures here on earth have ended and he is “flying high above the clouds” for all of eternity!!!
Donald A Penner was born September 2, 1944, in Hillsboro, Kansas to Orlando and Ruth Penner. He was 79 years of age. One of 7 siblings: Leeroy Penner, Kathleen Decker, Stanley Penner, Jann Hershberger, Bradley Penner, and Douglas Penner.
Don grew up in a small, rural farming community where he worked on his family farm and graduated from Hillsboro High School. When he was 20 he moved to Wooster, Ohio where he volunteered for 2 years under the Mennonite Church at Boys Village, a home for troubled teenage boys. During his time there he fell in love with Sandra Kaufman and married her 55 years ago, on December 29th.
After their first daughter Valerie was born, Don attended Hesston College in Kansas where he earned his Degree as well as his Private Pilot’s license. He also became an Ordained Minister in 1973 and later in life attended Gospel Crusade Bible School. In the years to follow, Don and Sandy--Mom and Dad--served in various ministry roles, pastored in Mennonite churches in Missouri, Arkansas, and Colorado, and served many of the people they met.
In 1985 the family moved to Ohio where Don worked at Missionary Maintenance Services and became a certified Airplane Mechanic in preparation to go to the mission field in Honduras. The family spent 4 1/2 years in Honduras living, serving, and ministering to the local people.
Don served as a bush pilot flying medical supplies and ministry teams into the remote jungles of Honduras.
In 1993 Don and his daughter Julie, along with 3 other people, were seriously Injured in a plane crash in the jungle caused by wind shear. Don and Julie recovered from injuries in a local hospital where his son Chad never left his side. Julie also met her husband, Jeff, during her hospital stay and has been married 30+ years.
Dad was dedicated to serving God and loving his family. For the past 22 years, he and Sandy lived in Rocky Ford, Colorado where they pastored, served, and loved many people around the country through Restoring the Foundations healing ministry.
Don loved the simple things in life like making “dippy eggs” for his kids every morning for breakfast, family camping and fishing at the lake. He helped teach every one of his kids and grandkids to drive and shoot guns. His grandkids always made him smile and laugh. He spent countless hours in his yard and took pride in taking care of his lawn and property...until he couldn't.
Don never met a stranger and he wanted everyone to know how much Jesus loved them!
Donald A. Penner has a legacy of a loving family full of faith and love for Jesus: Sandra S. Penner wife of 55 years 3 children Valerie Whitford, spouse, Rick (whom she met while in Honduras also), Julie Hines spouse Jeff, and Chad Penner spouse Alison. 8 beautiful grandchildren: Garrett, Conner, Savannah Whitford. Michael, Gabriella and Luciana Hines. Luke and Haniah Penner. Three precious great-grandchildren. Hudson and Adaline Whitford, Stetson Hines.
A Celebration of Don's Life will be held at the Barn (The old Maier Auction Barn) 3:00 P.M. January 7, 2024. Everyone is invited to attend a pot luck dinner at 5:00 P.M.
Johnson-Romero Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
