John graduated from Ft. Worth's Technical High School in 1949 and shortly afterward joined the U.S. Navy. He served four years in San Francisco, California and also onboard the USS Carrier Hector during the Korean War. Following John’s service to his country he came home to Fort Worth and he met the love of his life Joan Slayton. They were united in Holy Matrimony on July 3, 1953. Together they created a 67 year story of true love, happiness, family, and friends. During their marriage they had three children, Leland, Glen, and Pamela.
For 38 years, John was employed at Bell Helicopter. He started out as a machinist in the Blade Shop and because of his knack for solving problems and leadership skills, he quickly ascended to management concluding his career as the Plant Manager. After retirement he moved to Gustine, Texas to fulfill his dream of becoming a cattle rancher. He always loved animals and the great outdoors. For 30 years he managed together with his wife Joan Dayle a beautiful working cattle ranch with a herd of Black Angus cattle, a few horses, and other livestock along the Leon River in South West Texas.
John truly lived life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends, gardening, sitting on the porch whittling a sling shot for one of his grandkids or cracking pecans, hunting, bass fishing, growing and eating the hottest peppers around, or merely watching old westerns or his favorite team the Dallas Cowboys on the TV. These were just a few of his fun pastimes. He loved to cook breakfast for his family, and he made the best homemade biscuits around. He never met a stranger and had the uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He loved his family profoundly and one of his favorite things was spending quality time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. John was a Godly man and took his wife to church every Sunday, read his Bible, and always said the family blessing before dinner. He was always there to help his fellow neighbors by lending a hand to help mend their fences or plow their fields. You never left his house without an arm full of his home grown peaches, tomatoes, or peppers, and a heart full of love. He touched so many lives with his generosity and passion for life. He served his community as a volunteer firefighter, and he also was a member of the Moslah Shriners and a 32nd degree Mason.
He was always supportive and encouraging, always kind and wise, and always had a smile even when times were tough. John had a quiet strength and he always looked ahead to a better future.
John was preceded in death by his parents Ernest Thomas Pennington and Annie Mae Salling, his brothers, Charles Ray “Charley” Pennington, Troy Pennington, Howard Pennington, Sisters, Opal, Maudie Mae, and Gracie Pennington, Daughter-in-law Katy Pennington, and Granddaughter Lindsay Rae Pennington.
Left to cherish his wonderful memories are his beloved wife, Joan Slayton Pennington; his sons Leland Dayle Pennington and Glen Thomas Pennington; his daughter, Pamela Gail Schwalbe and husband, Kurt; Sister-in-law Patsy Pennington, Sister-in-law Betty Bloomfield and her husband, Jack. Also surviving are his ten grandchildren and their spouses, Thomas Dayle Pennington, Leland Dayle Pennington, II, John Adam Pennington, Joseph Allen Pennington, Jaime Jean Bowles, Kendall Jo Anderson, Courtney Arielle Powers, Joshua Rian Waine Crosby, Emily Dawn Cuba and Brianna Lee Cary; and 19 great-grandchildren, along with multiple nieces, nephews and many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held in Mr. Pennington’s honor at 2 PM on Tuesday December 1st, at Keller Old Town Funeral Chapel, 220 Keller Parkway, Keller, Texas 76248.
If you wish to send flowers in honor of Mr. Pennington, please contact Lilium Floral Design at 817-589-1566 or http://www.liliumflorals.com.
