Earl L. Pennington

Earl L. Pennington, 88, of Poplar Bluff, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Earl, the son of Leonard V. and Edna (Dodd) Pennington, was born April 9, 1932, in Flint, Michigan, and was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School. He was a member of First Assembly of God in Poplar Bluff. Earl honorably served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of Master Sergeant. During his tenure he proudly served in Korea and Vietnam. He later retired after 20 years at Sears Youth Center. Earl was a member of VFW Post 6477 in Poplar Bluff, where he was also a member of the VFW Honor Guard. Earl loved history, especially of Poplar Bluff. He and his late wife Mary was a member of the Historical Society. When he was not out mowing and baling hay he loved to be out and about going to auctions. Earl was quite a collector of guns, old cars, signs and antiques. His greatest joy was spending time with family.

Earl married the love of his life Mary Johnson on Nov. 6, 1955, in Mississippi. She preceded him in death.

Survivors include a son, Douglas E. Pennington and wife, Mary, of Poplar Bluff; two granddaughters, Melissa Pennington DeWerff and husband, Scott, of Poplar Buff and Jennifer Pennington of Kansas City, Mo.; a brother, Paul Pennington and wife, Karen of Waltonville, Ill.; a sister, Barbara Baker of Poplar Bluff; and several nieces and nephews.

His parents and a brother Ray Pennington also preceded Earl in death.

Visitation for Earl will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel, with the funeral service following at 5 p.m. Pastor T.J. Woodard will officiate and Pastor Max Southern will assist. A graveside service with full military honors will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield. Due to COVID 19 restrictions only 10 people are allowed in pavilion for graveside service. All other guests are asked to stand outside. MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING ARE REQUIRED.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that memorial donations be made to VFW Post 6477, 415 South Broadway St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Earl L. Pennington. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.