Donald L. Penney, 79, passed away Jan. 7, 2011, at Midland Hospice in Topeka.
Don was born in Paragould, Ark., in 1931, the son of William A. and Dora E. (Walker) Penney.
He attended Oak Grove and LAFE high schools, where he enjoyed playing basketball. He served in the United States Air Force (Air Police) from 1950 to 1954 with the rank of Airman First Class. He was stationed at Smoky Hill Air Force Base in Salina. He received the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.
In Salina, he worked for Holsum, Wonder Bread, Dillons, and Safeway stores. He moved to Topeka to work as produce manager at Safeway. He later worked at Dibbles Grocery Store and following his retirement he worked for Albertson’s part time.
He married Mary L. Jackson and they had four children. He married Cecile (Gooding) Weyand on July 31, 1982.
Don was confirmed at Faith Lutheran Church and was a charter member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where he served as usher and Stephens Minister. He volunteered for Heartland Share program for 10 years. He was a life member of American Legion Post 400. During retirement, he helped care for his sisters and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leavie; and six sisters, Delma Penney, Wilma Smith, Elbertine White, Cleavie Herring, Aileen Baker, and Pauline Penney.
Survivors include his wife, Cecile; daughters, Karla Manspeaker and husband Bob of Hope; Brenda Penney-Bailey and husband Jay of Wichita, and Denise Tweedy and husband Douglas of Gypsum; son, Steve Penney and wife Kris of Papillion, Neb.; and stepchildren, Jolene Weyand and husband Roy Presley and Kevin Weyand and wife Andrea Weyand of Topeka; nine grandchildren, B.J. Manspeaker, Ian Bailey, Jason Penney, Lysandra Penney, Eric Tweedy, Stephanie Welch, Shaine Weyand, Christina Weyand, and Brandon Weyand; and one great-granddaughter, Sloane Manspeaker.
Services were Jan. 11 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 3625 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Midland Hospice, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka KS 66606.