John Alfred Penton

John Alfred Penton, a lifelong resident of Amherst, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. Born on August 19, 1925 in Amherst, John was the son of Harold R. and Nina (née Musselman) Penton. He spent his entire life on the family property on North Ridge Road, that his parents had purchased in 1919. A graduate of Amherst High School, Class of 1943, John embodied dedication, perseverance, and vision throughout his life. On June 15, 1944, John enlisted in Merchant Marines and later was drafted into the United States Navy serving his country during World War II in the Mediterranean and Pacific Theaters. He was honorably discharged on June 17, 1946, and for his service carried with him a lifelong pride as a veteran. Following his military service, John-along with his four brothers-founded Penton Brothers Motorcycles in 1948. The dealership later became" Penton Brothers Honda", which John owned and operated until 1985. A true innovator, he went on to design and distribute the Penton Motorcycle in the 1970s, investing his own resources for KTM Austria to build his dream of a lighter enduro motorcycle. His Penton motorcycle changed industry forever and his invention and dream came to be known as the modern KTM motorcycle. He also changed the world of racing apparel, including modern day racing boots. John was not only a pioneer but also a competitor. He won the Jack Pine Endurance Run in 1966, competed in the International Six Days Trials (ISDT) seven times. John went on to build multiple teams of ISDT racers, that included his sons, Tom, Jeff and Jack. He became a legend whose influence still inspires generations of riders. His achievements earned him induction into the American Motorcycle Association Hall of Fame in 1999 and the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2016. His life and contributions were honored through Ed Youngblood's 2000 book John Penton and the Off-Road Motorcycle Revolution and the 2014 full-length documentary PENTON: The John Penton Story. Beyond motorcycles, John lived a life of community and service. He was an active member of the Amherst Rotary Club, serving as its President, and was honored as a Paul Harris Fellow. Just weeks before his passing, his family, friends, and admirers from across the United States and Europe gathered in Amherst to celebrate his 100th birthday. At Walkin' on Wednesday, hundreds of people joined in singing "Happy Birthday" to John-a joyful tribute captured on video by his son Jack. John is survived by his loving children, Tom Penton (Julie) of Eugene, Oregon; Jeff Penton (Marianne) of Amherst; Laura Hochenedel Reid (Rodger) of Birmingham, Ohio, John Penton II "Jack"(Gigi) of Amherst, Barb Hochendel Penton of Amherst; and Tim Penton (Jay) of Lakewood. He was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren-Katie, Kristen, Erin, Ryan, Adam, Dan, Spencer, Courtney, Morgan, Rachel, Lindsay, Hannah, and Caitlin-and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward his legacy of strength, creativity, and determination. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Katherine (nee Marks) Penton. They were married on June 26, 1949, until her passing on February 28, 1958; second wife, Donna (Thompson/Hochenedel) Penton. They were married in 1960, until her passing in 2017; son, Brad Hochenedel; granddaughter, Allison Armstrong; parents, Harold R. and Nina Penton; and siblings, Eric "Ike", Ted, Henry "Hank", Mary, Patricia, and William "Bill". Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Interment will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst, with military honors conducted by the Amherst Veterans Honor Guard. A Celebration of John's Life will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025 following the interment at the Amherst Eagles, 1161 Milan Ave., Amherst, OH 44001. In lieu of flowers, and because of John's military service, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Operation Heal Our Patriots, a ministry serving married veterans and active-duty personnel wounded after 9/11. Donations may be sent c/o Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.dovinreberjones.com.