Milton James Penner

                 My husband and our father, Milton James Penner, was born July 16, 1959 in Saltillo, Mexico to Stanley and Lenora (Harms) Penner. He gained his eternal reward on August 24, 2024, reaching the age of 65 yrs. Death was caused by sepsis and kidney failure.

               Dad's growing up years were spent on the family farm east of Rich Hill, Mo. He received his formal education in the Rich Hill public school system, riding the bus to school with his siblings. When Dad was ten, his parents again served a term as missionaries in Mexico, where he acquired a lifelong love for the Spanish language. As a young man he went back to teach Bible school in Los Jagueyes, Chihuahua, Mexico in the summer of 1976.

               It was while in Mexico that Dad felt the burden of sin and gave his heart and life to God. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite by Minister Walter Goossen. He embraced this faith to the end. Devotions were important to him; we remember him starting the day with the Word of God and prayer.

               Dad found the love of his life in Avis Ann Schmidt, and they were married on January 30, 1983. They enjoyed 41 blessed years together.

               Dad and Mom spent the first 11 years of their married life in Rich Hill, farming and raising hogs. Two sons were born to them during this time. In 1994, they made the decision to move to the new congregation forming at Jamesport. At Jamesport, a daughter and another son joined the family.

               Upon moving to Jamesport, Dad quit farming and started a career as an electrician, first as an employee, and then as a self-employed contractor. Dad put his heart into Penner Electric and built it into a successful business. He loved to work alongside his sons and dreamed of the day he could hand the business over. Dad made many friends in his years as a contractor and was highly respected by his peers.

                Dad was ordained into the deaconry on February 6, 2000. He committed his life to this work. The faith was dear to him and he served his congregation and the church with his whole heart.

               Dad was an amazing husband and father - a kind, unassuming, practical man, faithful and solid, a rock for our family. Slow to criticize and apt to see the good in situations, we never saw him angry! Family was important to Dad. What was important to us was important to Dad. He always had time for us. Dad was not harsh and had a way with us in which we respected him. Dad loved us unconditionally. We have precious memories of cookouts, family vacations, snagging trips, boating, drinking coffee and sweet tea, and our last family vacation to Lake Dardanelle is dear to our hearts.

               Dad and Mom enjoyed many trips together in the last years, biking around the lake, eating lunch together, and exploring new places. A cherished memory for Mom is their last trip together to Niagara Falls.

                Though our hearts ache and we struggle to understand, we are thankful for the assurance of his salvation and that we can meet our precious Dad and husband beyond the sunset in that better land!

               Milton was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Rowene Schmidt and one angel grandbaby. He is survived by his wife Avis, of the home; his parents, Stanley and Lenora of Moundridge, KS; four children, Wayland Penner (Karla) of Trenton, MO, Brady Penner (Vanessa) of Gallatin, MO, Amber Kauffman (Daniel) of Jamesport, MO, and Tyler Penner (Tonya) of Russellville, AR; seven grandchildren, Nicolee, Bailey, Miranda, Rilla, Kale, Layne, and Rylan; and four siblings, Carolyn Leatherman (Paul) of Walker, MO, Charles Penner (Lois) of Mountain Grove, MO, Janice Penner (Rene) of Welsford, Nova Scotia, and Brent Penner (Rita) of Moundridge, KS. Many nieces, nephews and other extended family members also survive.

             In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Redbud Village in care of the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Church of God in Christ, Mennonite in Jamesport. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, the evening prior (Tuesday) also at the church. Burial will follow the services at the church cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of Stith Funeral Home in Jamesport. (660) 684-6133. Online guestbook at www.stithfamilyfunerals.com

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