Kenneth Harold Penington

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 held in Amarillo, Texas on September 20, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 South Georgia.