Donald Ray Penawell

Donald R. Penawell, 77 years old of Fancy Gap, VA, formerly of Camden, DE, shed his earthly body for one healed in Glory on Monday, September 1, 2025.

Donald was born February 12, 1948 to Wayne and Ruth Penawell in Jacksonville, NC, the oldest of their three children.  In 1967 Don graduated from Dover High School in Dover, DE and joined the US Navy, serving during the Vietnam War.  After his service in the United State Navy, he served in the United States Naval Reserves, being honorably discharged in 1973.

In 1982, Don married his best friend – the love of his life, Ellen Sherwood Penawell, who he would have celebrated 43 years of marriage on September 4, 2025.  Don was an avid Philadelphia Fan.  He worked for numerous grocery stores through the years – Pantry Pride, Warehouse Food Market, IGA, Big G Foodliner, finally retiring from Food Lion in Harrington, DE in 2010.

Don is preceded in death by his parents, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law – Ernest and Joan Sherwood.  He is survived by his wife – Ellen Sherwood Penawell, his sons – Rusty R. Penawell and his wife, Jessica of Kenton, DE, and Keith E. Penawell and his wife, Cathy of Windor, OH, a daughter – Sara E. Seaman and her husband Willis “Billy” of Fancy Gap, VA, a brother – Roger W. Penawell and his wife, Mary of Flora, MS, and a sister – Debbie A. Vanni of Martinez, CA, 18 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.  Don is also survived by his extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held back in his home-state of Delaware at a later date.  Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.