Kenneth Harold Penington

Kenneth Harold Penington obituary, Prescott, AZ

Kenneth Harold Penington

Kenneth Penington Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 28, 2025.
Kenneth Harold "Kenny" Penington, 72, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of his wife, son, and brother, on July 20, 2025, in Prescott, Arizona, after a courageous 12-year battle with cancer. Born on April 15, 1953, in Amarillo, Texas, Kenny remained a proud Texan at heart throughout his life-carrying with him the grit and warmth of his roots no matter where he lived.

Kenny earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from West Texas A&M University, setting the foundation for a remarkable career in software engineering. Over the span of more than three decades, he worked with distinction for defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman and S.A.I.C., dedicating much of his professional life to supporting the U.S. military. His work took him across the globe and placed him alongside Army and Marine personnel at esteemed institutions including the Pentagon, the Hague, CENTCOM, and AFRICOM. He held deep admiration for the military culture and was honored to contribute to its mission through his technical expertise. Among his proudest professional memories were the years he spent living and working in Germany-a country he came to love deeply-along with travels throughout Switzerland, Austria, Scotland, Italy, and other parts of Europe that enriched his life immeasurably.

Later in his career, Kenny transitioned to Wells Fargo Bank, where he continued to apply his skills with diligence and integrity. His legacy now lives on at Wells Fargo Bank, where his son has taken over for him.

Kenny's personal life was equally full of adventure and joy. A natural athlete with a passion for sports from an early age, he was known as a talented basketball player who also enjoyed baseball and golf. His commitment to physical fitness never waned; he ran half and full marathons, hiked challenging trails across the U.S. and Europe-including the Grand Canyon, the Rocky Mountains, Cinqueterra in Italy, and mountain paths in Switzerland and Liechtenstein-and rarely missed a day at the gym. It was his greatest joy to share his adventures with his wife and kids.

In recent years, Kenny fulfilled a lifelong dream of building a home in the mountains with his beloved wife, Terri. Together they shared not only a deep bond but also a love of travel, good food-especially barbeque-and their cherished dogs, Ouray Mae Jane and Agua, and cat, Milo.

Kenny's zest for life was matched by his vibrant personality. Those who knew him best will remember his friendly nature and smile, his fun sense of humor, his unwavering loyalty to family and friends, and his boundless enthusiasm for new experiences. Though he faced illness with quiet strength and determination, he never let it define him or limit his joy.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife Terri Jane Penington; son Kennan James Penington; daughter Marette Marie Penington; step-daughter Hannah Jane Wilson; sister Brenda Sue Wolfe; and brother Cary Ray Penington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joyce Loraine Penington and Harold Leon Penington, and by his beloved dogs, Cheeta and Agua.

Kenny was raised in a Southern Baptist family and carried that faith with him throughout his life. Though private about his beliefs, he shared them with Terri and found strength in them during life's most difficult moments.

In honor of Kenny's memory and values, and in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org or to the Arizona Humane Society at azhumane.org.

Kenny lived fully-with courage, laughter, love, and purpose. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on October 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Willow Hills Baptist Church, 1071 Mogollon Rd, Prescott, AZ. There will also be a Celebration of Life Service held in Amarillo, Texas, in September. Details are forthcoming.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Kenneth Penington's Guest Book

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Earlier today

Steven Calkins planted trees.

July 31, 2025

Neal Hollis posted to the memorial.

July 30, 2025

Camilla Jarvis Westfall posted to the memorial.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Steven Calkins

Planted Trees

Neal Hollis

July 31, 2025

Ken lived an admirable life with zest and style. I always admired he and Terri's travels and love of adventure. It seemed like they were always off on some new exploration in Europe or spots in the United States. Ken exemplified courage and heart in his battle with cancer. HIs passing is the end to a grand adventure and he will be missed.

Camilla Jarvis Westfall

July 30, 2025

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Cousin Kenny. May God surround you with His love and give you peace, comfort and strength. Love and prayers.

Tamara Lacy

July 29, 2025

Ken was great guy. He will be missed. He was friends with my brother Rob but I remember him
coming over our house and was so funny. God bless you Ken and your family.

Brad Gilbert

July 29, 2025

Heavy hearts for the Gilbert and Pennington's. We all dearly loved my cousin, Kenny. Although time together came in rare form, we held him close to our hearts. He was always so good to me and my family.
-- with respect and humility
The Gilberts
BRAD
TARA
JACKSON
SABRINA

Doug

July 29, 2025

Terri,
Our prayers are with you and your family. Ken and I enjoyed many years as softball teammates, dining buddies, and a couple beers here and there. A friend forever.

Laine Skiendiel

July 29, 2025

While in Stuttgart, Ken was very active menber of the Stuttgart German American Wandering Club. He always added positive vibes to our monthly meetings at the Schwarzbach restaurant in Rohr; his smile was contagious! He was also an active supporter of the USO; I don't think he ever passed up going on an adventure with the either the SGAWC or USO. He blessed many people through sharing his zest and appreciation for life. Rest in peace, Ken.

Holly & Pete

July 28, 2025

Dearest Friend, Terri: We are so sorry to hear about Kenny´s passing and feel very blessed to have know him from your wedding to our high school reunion and through you sharing your wonderful adventures throughout the world! How serendipitous your lives intertwined and you were able to spend many lovely years together. How lucky were you two having found one another. Sending love and strength your way. Kenny will truly be missed and remembered by all.

Dendy Merrill

July 28, 2025

My deepest sympathy for Ken. Will be praying for you Terri. We will miss him dearly.

Olga

July 28, 2025

I am heartbroken about Kenny passing. My heart hurts for you. I am sure you miss him more than anything. Please accept my condolences.

Andy Barr

July 28, 2025

Great memories of chatting with "Ken" as I knew him, at the gym. Yes, I would call him friend. Honored to have known him. Especially honored to officiate his memorial service.

Susan and Bill Philbrick

July 28, 2025

Dear Terri, the love between you and Kenny was deep and true. You brighten the world with your smiles as you traveled. The obituary introduced me to the man you knew. He was remarkable. It saddens my heart that you have to face loss. May the home and life you created together give you deep comfort.

Ben Sylvia Schmidt

July 28, 2025

Terri, Ben & I were sorrow to hear of Kenny passing. I can't imagine loserg your mate. Out thoughts & prayers are w you & all the family. Sending hugs &

Jamie & Debbie Richards

July 28, 2025

We send all our love and prayers to Terri and the family at this time of loss. Kenny never stopped enjoying the beauty of life.

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Sign Kenneth Penington's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Earlier today

Steven Calkins planted trees.

July 31, 2025

Neal Hollis posted to the memorial.

July 30, 2025

Camilla Jarvis Westfall posted to the memorial.