Robert "Bob" Milton Penn Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Robert Milton Penn Jr. (Bob). He went to join his loved ones and heavenly Father in Heaven at the age of 81, on Saturday, September 7th, 2024. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bob was born on October 23, 1942, in Kansas City, MO to parents Robert M. Penn Sr. and Inez Helen Insley Penn, with two older sisters Patricia and Roberta. Bob grew up in East St. Louis, IL where he met his soul mate, Karen Cook as a teenager and graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in June of 1960. He went on to attend Central Missouri State on a scholarship for football, graduating in June of 1967 with a teaching degree and moving on to complete his master’s degree at The University of Missouri St. Louis.

He is preceded in death by his father, mother, sister Roberta Stamper, brothers-in-law Robert Porter, Chief Bruce Morrison, Thomas Stamper, and Bobby Cook. Survived by his loving wife Karen of almost 64 years, daughter Susan Penn, son Robert M. Penn III (Angela), sister Patrica Penn Porter Connoley (Wayne), his eight grandchildren; Erin (Eric) Droege, Jacob Espey, Matthew (Danielle) Espey, Mariah (A.J.) Baker, Deon Lewis (Amber), Rourke (Jess) Penn, Savannah Penn, Elijah Lewis, his eight great-grandchildren; Jayden Burleson, Hailey & Jacob Paul Espey, Giana & Isaiah Baker, Emersyn & Audrey Espey and Londyn Lewis, sister and brother in laws Shirley Morrison, Sharon & Chuck Riess, Sandra & Pleas Griffin; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Bob was a committed follower of Jesus Christ. He was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, family, and friends. Bob faithfully and joyfully served in many capacities in their church. His life was filled with love, laughter, and passion for his family, friends, and interests.

Throughout his life, Bob excelled in many significant roles touching many lives. He was a teacher and Coach (football and wrestling) at Brentwood High School for 37 years and was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2014 as a part of the coach’s category for football.

Bob’s sense of calming, kindhearted nature, compassionate soul, sense of humor, and love for Christ leaves an endeared remembrance to all who knew him. His absence leaves a void in the hearts of us all, but his memory will forever be cherished. His love and guidance have and will continue to leave an indelible mark on his family. His lessons and memories will continue to live through all of us. His legacy will live on for generations to come.

First, we want to thank God for sharing Bob with us. Also, we want to thank our Grace family and Faith friends for the love you have given to Bob and his doctors for their grace and love.

In lieu of flowers, Bob wishes were for memorial donations to be made to Grace United Church of Christ, 8326 Mexico Road, O’Fallon, MO 63376. https://wearegraceucc.com/make-a-donation.

Bob’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, with a visitation gathering from 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM, with a service following at 3:00 PM at Grace United Church of Christ 8326 Mexico Road, O’Fallon, MO 63376.