Kenneth J. Penhorwood

KENNETH J PENHORWOOD

Kenneth J. Penhorwood, 88, joined his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in Heaven on August 28 at his home in Lima with his family and friends around him.

Kenneth J. Penhorwood was born September 30, 1925 to Emory and Imogene Penhorwood in Tiffin, Ohio. He is survived by his wife Jean, son Scott (Beverly) Penhorwood, daughters Jill (Matt) Staley and Kathy (Keith) McClintock, sister Phyllis Boyd, sister-in-law Kathryn Somers, brother-in-law Burton Somers, close family friend Ruth Boyd.

Other survivors include eight grandchildren: Lynne (Dan) Boyle; Scott (Melissa) Mondy; Wade Penhorwood; Jon (Kate) Penhorwood; Cameron (Rachael) Staley; Rachel (Kenny) Foust; Bethany (Paul) Paschal; Cale McClintock; also thirteen great-grandchildren: Lex and Lainey Boyle; Trey and Lucy Mondy; Emory, Maci and Jake Staley; Claire, Gwyneth, and Paul Foust; Kierney, Thatcher, and Oren Paschal and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents Rev. Emory and Imogene Penhorwood, mother and father-in-law Edwina and Francis Somers, brothers Erwin (Ruth) Penhorwood, Donald (Betty) Penhorwood, brothers-in-law David Boyd, David Somers, sisters-in-law Frances Somers, Margaret Burget.

Ken graduated from South High School in 1943 and in November of that year, was drafted into the U.S. Air Corp, serving in the 302nd Fighter Command Squadron in Hawaii, Iwo Jima, and Saipan. During his time overseas, he became a member of a military basketball team that toured the islands entertaining troops, with now deceased best friend Don (Laura) Mendenhall. Ken and Don remained lifetime friends.

In the Fall of 1947, Ken met Eva Jean Somers. They both enrolled at Ohio State University where Ken made the OSU basketball team as a 'walk-on'. On September 19, 1948, Ken and Jean were married by Ken's father, Rev. E.J. Penhorwood at South Side Church of Christ. Following graduation, he was employed at the Ohio Steele Foundry. In 1951, he began his 34-year teaching career at Bath Elementary, serving as a 5th grade teacher for the first 7 years and then teaching Physical Education for the remaining years. During his years at Bath, Ken supervised the boys intramural program for over 20 years, started and supervised the Saturday morning basketball program for 25 years, coached 7th grade boys basketball for 25 years, served as the assistant varsity basketball coach for 3 years with head coach Dwaine Holt, and also was a bus driver for many years. Ken worked at Buckeye Pipeline for 25 years during the summer months. In 2011, Ken received the Lifetime Service Award from the OHSAA for his many years of service in the Bath School District.

The family extends heartfelt thanks for all of Ken's caregivers during the past few years, as his last battle with Parkinson's disease was done with a humble heart. Those included: Mary Kantner, Pam Styer, Lisa Hall, Rachel Tidd, nephew Jim Penhorwood for home communion, Reverend Wanda Werking for her home and hospital visits, family member Cindy Dye, Interim healthcare staff, and St. Rita's Hospice staff of Lima. Our family is ever grateful to the practice of Dr. David Neidhardt and staff for the many years of kindness, caring, and sustaining of Ken's health to the very end. In addition, we wish to thank Todd Cosart and Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home staff for their supportive and loving assistance through this process. Much appreciation goes to numerous others for acts of kindness and compassion.

Ken's greatest joy was his family. He loved fishing, playing basketball, outdoor activities, and instilled a love of nature into the hearts of his family. Ken and Jean were loyal supporters and fans of the Bath Wildcats and the OSU Buckeyes. Ken was a lifelong member of South Side Christian Church where he and wife Jean served in various ministries. Ken and Jean raised their family leaving a legacy of a strong foundation of faith in God. Ken's character overflowed into his career, impacting many students and players in the Bath Community. He was deeply loved by all who knew him. September 19, Ken and Jean would have celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Services will begin at 7 p.m. September 6 at South Side Christian Church. The Rev. Wanda Werking and Paul Paschal will officiate. Private burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 6 at the church. Arrangements are by Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home.

Donations may be made to South Side Christian Church, St. Rita's Hospice, or The National Parkinson Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.