K.R. (King Roger) Pennel went home to be with the Lord on March 29, 2023, surrounded by family following a long, full life of 97 years.

K.R. was born on October 20, 1925, to Hugh O. Pennel and Mildred (King) Pennel in St. Joseph, Missouri. K.R. attended Oregon, Missouri, schools, graduating in 1941. He enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. He proudly served his country as a gunner’s mate on the USS Corregidor Ship in the Pacific Ocean in World War II. He was very proud to attend his Honor Flight in 2012.

On September 6, 1953, K.R. married his forever friend, Mary Anne Hawkins. They were blessed with 65 years together which they celebrated in 2018. They made their home and raised their two sons, H.C. and Roger, on the family farm east of Fairfax, Missouri.

K.R. was a loyal servant in the community and in many organizations, including the Fairfax Methodist Church, the John Richards Post 284 American Legion, the Masonic Lodge, Order of Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, where he received his 33rd degree, and the Moila Shrine in St. Joseph. He loved representing the Shriners as a clown in the parades and the Shrine Circus, entertaining them with his talent to make animals with his balloons.

He is survived by sons, H.C. (Kathy) Pennel, Wichita, Kansas, and Roger (Lou Ann) Pennel, Fairfax; grandchildren, Jeremy Pennel, St. Joseph, Jennifer (Brett Ruggles), Rose Hill, Kansas, Joshua (Samantha) Pennel) Shawnee Mission, Kansas, Theresa (Matthew) Larson, Fairfax, and Marcy (Michael) Saniuk, Omaha, Nebraska; great-grandchildren, Colten, Adalynn, and Rylee Pennel, Cheyene, Colton, Nash, and Dagan Ruggles, Lexus, Libby, and Lucas Pennel, Braiden, Amelia, and Caroline Larson, and Dex Saniuk; brother, Berres (Lucille) Pennel, Hiawatha, Kansas; special friend, Terry Whitford; and many nieces and nephews.

K.R. was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Anne; his parents, Hugh and Mildred Pennel; and two sisters, Libby Dunnihoo and Shirley Cain.

Funeral services were held Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Fairfax Methodist Church, Fairfax. Burial was in the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Fairfax. Memorials may be directed to the Fairfax Methodist Church. Services were under the direction of Schooler Funeral Home, Fairfax/Craig. Online condolences may be made at www.andrewshannfuneralhome.com.