With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Richard Penn, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, who peacefully left this world on December 24, 2024 at the age of 79.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Middletown Baptist Church with Reverend Dick Hinson officiating. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 29, 2024, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Middletown Baptist Church.

Born to parents Jesse and Margaret Arlene Barton Penn on May 19, 1945 in Middletown, Missouri, Richard lived a life defined by love, hard work, and service. He married his high school sweetheart, Fern Davis Penn on June 22, 1966, and together they shared 58 beautiful years of marriage.  Their bond was a testament to lasting love, built on small, everyday gestures that spoke louder than words.  He showed his devotion in the quiet ways that mattered most – making sure her car was always safe, preparing her garden for planting, and sharing unspoken moments of comfort and support. Together, they created a partnership defined by care, thoughtfulness, and enduring commitment.

Richard gave his life to the Lord and was baptized at the Middletown Baptist Church on April 27, 1969.

He is survived by sisters Sharon Darlene Branstetter and Jesse Louise Gordon, and brothers Laird Gail, and Mark Gregory Penn.

Richard was also a proud father of four daughters and their spouses – Melissa Ann (Dave Guzy) of Middletown, Angela Fern Penn of Auxvasse, Amanda Darlene (Jack Segraves) of Wellsville, and Melanie Elaine (Jeremy Heuermann) of Kearney – who adored him for his steady presence, wise advice, and endless stories.  As a grandfather, his heart was even fuller, finding immense joy in the laughter and milestones of his grandchildren – Olivia Frances and husband Spencer Sickmann of St. Louis, Tracey Allen William Freyer of Hannibal, Natalie Eilene Frank and Shelby Elaine Frank of Wellsville, Mason Scott Guzy and Hallie Noel Guzy of Middletown, Novalee Claire Heuermann, Easton Penn Heuermann, and Jackson Thomas Heuermann of Kearney; great-grandchildren Bennett Allen Russell Freyer and soon to be baby girl Sickmann due in January 2025.

He is preceded in death by sister Anita Yates, brothers-in-law George Yates, Kemmie Branstetter and P.D. Gordon, and nephew Ricky Kevin Gordon.

Richard devoted much of his life to farming, a work that not only connected him to the land and nature but also shaped his strong work ethic. In addition to farming, he spent many years driving a school bus and working for Montgomery County Road and Bridge, where his dedication and reliability were valued by all who knew him.

A Vietnam veteran, Richard entered the army on December 8, 1965, and was stationed at Fort Lewis, WA for Basic Training as part of the Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion 12th Infantry, 4th Infantry Division. He was wounded on November 11, 1966 near TuyHoa, spending time in the hospital in the Philippines and Japan. He served his country with honor and courage, and was honorably discharged on December 8, 1967, earning a Purple Heart for the sacrifices he made.  Though he rarely spoke of his time in the service, his patriotism was evident in his daily life, marked by gratitude and humility.

Richard loved coon hunting under the stars, restoring old tractors to their former glory, and spending hours visiting with family and friends beneath the shade of the big maple tree in his backyard.  These moments reflected his appreciation for life's simple pleasurers and his gift for creating lasting memories with those he cherished.

Richard will be remembered for his enduring love, strength of character, hard work, and sense of humor.  He loved to playfully tease those around him, always finding ways to make his family laugh with his quick wit and playful nature. Through his dedication and hard work, he made sure his family had a comfortable home, plenty of food, and everything they needed, leading by example with unwavering love and commitment.

Memorials may be given to the Honor Flight Central Missouri, Middletown Baptist Church, or Fairmount Cemetery. They may be also sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates, Wellsville, MO 63384.