Landis Edgar Penfold Jr

Landis Edgar Penfold, Jr., "Gumpy", 85, of Milton, Florida passed away surrounded by loved ones on Monday, March 3, 2025.
Gumpy was a native of Lawrence, Kansas. He is preceded in death by his father, Landis Edgar Penfold, Sr.; mother, Ellen Margaret Penfold; and sisters, Louise Tennis and Winona Rednour. He married Beverley Ann Stewart and is survived by five children, Natalie (Aaron) Beaver, Shawn Penfold, Barbara Penfold, Sheila (Greg) Shouppe, and John (Michelle) Penfold; 11 grandchildren, Ashley, Tara, Michael, Zachary, Matthew, Dana, Samantha, Nolan, Brooke, Shyla, and Levi; and 11 great grandchildren, Waylon, Mason, Carter, Allie, Kylie, Eden, Nora, Marli, Dexter, Mackenzie, and Jameson.
He traveled the world during his 23 years of active duty in the United States Navy as an Aviation Ordnanceman; flying in Patrol Squadrons 19 and 42 and Attack Squadron 97; serving two combat tours and three campaigns, including the Tet Offensive, in Cam Rahn Bay and Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam; obtaining an Associate in Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology at Del Mar College; and among his many medals, bronze stars, awards, and accomplishments, was well known in his distinguished roles as Chief Master-at-Arms of Naval Air Station Pensacola; Weapons Department Leading Chief Petty Officer, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Ship's Force Overhaul Management System Department, and the Command Master Chief of the USS Enterprise CVN-65, overseeing the welfare and professional development of all enlisted personnel on the aircraft carrier and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Commanding Officer for the overall command and operation of the ship; until his transfer to the Fleet Reserve in 1980. He went on to complete an additional 7 years, totaling 30 years of service before his Navy retirement; obtained an Associate of Science in Automotive Mechanic at Pensacola Junior College; and completed his second retirement as a Master Auto Mechanic for the United States Postal Service.
In his retirement he enjoyed spending quality time making precious memories with his loving grandchildren, children, great grandchildren, and dog, Dragon; tending outdoors to his property, going for a drive, working on vehicles, walking, traveling with family, watching movies, sharing a laugh, enjoying a delicious meal with his loved ones, and sharing his past times, catching up, and chatting on the phone.
A 10:00 AM visitation and 11:00 AM funeral service will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025 at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton, Florida followed by 1:00 PM service with Military Honors at Barrancas National Cemetery, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Vitas Hospice, including Jeanese and Charmaine, for the love and care given to Gumpy. Fair Winds and Following Seas.
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