Dennis L. Pennington

DENNIS L. PENNINGTON, 65, of Parker went home to be with his Lord and Saviour Thursday morning (11-24-11) at UPMC-Presbyterian in Pittsburgh following a heart seizure suffered in his home on Tuesday. Born in Parker on April 20, 1946, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Frances Mary Patterson Pennington. A veteran of the Viet Nam Conflict, he served with the U.S. Army in Viet Nam attaining the rank of SP/5. He was awarded the NDSM, Viet Nam Campaign and Service Medals with 1960 device, two Overseas bars, and the Marksman Badge (M-14). Denny was dedicated to veterans organizations serving the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7073 of Parker as a life member and past commander. He served as Armstrong County VFW Commander and 26th District Commander. He served the American Legion Post 598 as a life member and past commander. He was a former Clarion County Commander of the Legion and later the 27th District Commander of the Legion. Following the military, he worked at the former Pullman-Standard Co. of Butler until its closing in the early 80's. He then was employed as traffic manager of both the Montgomery Tank Lines and the Mason-Dixon Truck Lines, both at firms in Parker. He was employed for nearly fifteen years as a salesman for the J.M. Beatty Automotive Co. of Eau Claire. Denny then worked for Parker Personal Care Home where he gained a solid reputation as a cook for the residents as well as the employees. He was a member of the Parker City-Allegheny Valley Lodge F. & A.M. #521, the New Castle Consistory, Zem Zem Shrine of Erie, and the Clarion County Shrine Club. Denny was of the United Methodist faith. A quiet gentleman by nature, he was dedicated to his family and his country. Surviving are his wife, Linda Barger Pennington whom he married June 6, 1970; two daughters: Melinda and Michelle L. Pennington, both of Parker; one son Greg and wife Mary of Pittsburgh; six grandchildren: Morgan, Natalie, Lee, Michael, Danielle,and Mary Beth; two sisters: Mrs. George (Gail) Ramsey of Eldorado and Pamela Frazer of Petrolia; three brothers: Douglas (Kim) Pennington of Parker, Jeffrey (Linda) of Bruin, and Brian (Roxanne) of Petrolia; number of nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas, and an infant brother. Friends may call from 6-8 PM today (Sat.) and from 2-4 and 6-8 Sunday at H. Jack Buzard Funeral Home, 201 So. Wayne Ave., Parker. Funeral services 11:00 AM Monday from Parker United Methodist Church with Rev. Ken Hughes, pastor, officiating. Burial in Perryville Cemetery. Members of F. & A.M. Lodge #521 will conduct Masonic Memorial Service at 6:00 PM Sunday in the funeral home. VFW and American Legion Posts of Parker will assemble at 10:30 AM Monday the Parker United Methodist Church to pay full military honors to departed comrade.

Dennis L. Pennington

April 20, 1946 - November 24, 2011