David Shepherd Penson

David Penson was faithful to God, family and country. He is a child of God and resides in heaven with Him now. He was a devoted husband and brother; dedicated father; invested grandfather and uncle; loyal servant leader in the US Army and Air Force and unconditionally committed to those few he called friend. He wasn't flashy and didn't want to be in the limelight but was present with all his heart to those he welcomed in to be a part of his life. His departure leaves a distinct hole in the hearts he left behind. We celebrate his ascension to heaven but mourn our personal loss.
He was born on November 18, 1949, in Ft Sill, Oklahoma and passed away on May 13, 2025, in Lenoir City, Tennessee.
David was employed by and in the US Army from 1971-1978 serving as Captain in California, Germany, and Kansas. He was a Company Commander/Adjutant General/Special Operations/Nuclear. Also served in the Arizona Air National Guard/US Air Force from 1978-1998 serving as Lt Colonel; as Chief of Staff/Support Group Commander/Director of Personnel; then National Guard Bureau from 2004-2009 in Washington D.C. and Joint Exercises Director in both Virginia and Alaska. He earned 3 Meritorious Service Medals/Air Force Commendation Medal; 3 Army Commendation Medals; Air Force Achievement Medal; and the National Defense Ribbon with 1 Bronze Star.
He was an avid golf and fishing enthusiast.
Preceded in death by: David Penson (father); Nellie Shepherd Penson (mother), and Hal Drake, Jr. (nephew).
Survived by: Paula Penson (wife); Jennifer (Paul) Houser (daughter); David (Jennifer) Penson, Jr. (son); Chrystie (John) Shawhan (step-daughter); Cynthia (Jon) Jacobs (step-daughter); Barbara Drake (sister); Nellie Williams (niece); Matt Drake (nephew); Alexandra (Adam) Kotlinski, Amy, & Ashley (granddaughters); Sara, Trinity, Samuel (step-grandchildren); Courtney & Connor (great niece and nephew).
Special thanks to Dave's best friend: Vern & Jo Harris and extended Family Clergy: Danny Matthews, Two Rivers Church.
Receiving line and light luncheon immediately afterwards in the care area.
Memorial Service: June 27, 2025, 9:00 a.m., Two Rivers Church, 275 Harrison Lane, Lenoir City, TN 37772 Interment Service with military honors: June 27, 2025, 12:30 p.m. East Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, 2200 E. Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920
Charitable Request (in lieu of flowers): Please make donations to the GEN Bruce Holloway Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association to support local education outreach programs. Send to: AFA Holloway Chapter, C/O: Paula Penson, email: pfpenson@icloud.com