Paul Edward Penn

Paul Edward Penn, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away on December 28, 2024, at the age of 88. Born on December 23, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, Paul spent most of his life in Indiana, with extended stays in Aspen, Colorado, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Paul Jr.; brother, Richard; as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Paul and Eva Penn.

A proud U.S. Navy veteran, Paul served during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Paul's service in the U.S. Navy began in 1956 while still in college, with notable deployment aboard the USS Bluebird. His courage and dedication to duty took him through some of the most tense moments of the Cold War, including the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honorably discharged in January 1963.

Paul was an active member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He earned his degree in electrical engineering from Purdue University and went on to receive an MBA from Indiana University. Throughout his life, Paul remained dedicated to both his professional and personal passions. He was an active member of the Coral Ridge Yacht Club in Ft. Lauderdale and the Society of Fellows Aspen Institute in Aspen.

After his military service, Paul co-founded DART Controls, Inc. in 1963 with three friends, and it grew into a multi-million-dollar company. Over the years, he authored seven patents and played a pivotal role in developing groundbreaking technologies in manufacturing. His legacy includes innovations in digital broadcasting, industrial controls, and motor technology, one of which continues to be used worldwide today. In recognition of his extraordinary achievements, Paul was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Manufacturing in 2019. Paul's legacy of innovation, leadership, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a mentor, a boss, and most importantly, a loving husband, father, and friend. His adventurous spirit and belief in the power of possibility will continue to inspire those who carry his memory forward.

Paul's adventurous spirit extended far beyond his work. He believed deeply in the motto, "If there is a will, there is a way." His family fondly remembers his determination to make dreams a reality. In the late 90s, Paul and Susan fulfilled their dream of sailing around the world with Expo 98, bringing family and friends along on their journeys and forging lifelong connections along the way. Paul was also an avid skier and shared a love of sailing, history, and music with his family. He was a master storyteller always have another story on hand to share. One of his most cherished memories was serving as an attache to the Grenada boxing competitors in the 1987 Pan Am Games in Indiana.

Friends and family are invited to share memories and condolences here. In lieu of flowers, Paul would be honored by donations to the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, the Aspen Music Festival and School, or the Aspen Institute.

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm, and services will be on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at 11:00 am, at Leppert Funeral Home, 740 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Covington, Indiana.