Robert Francis Penrod

Robert Francis Penrod, born on May 8, 1929, in Oran, Ohio, went to join his Lord Jesus Christ on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the age of 94, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and faith.
Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Orlo W. Penrod and Helen I. McCorkle Penrod; his older brother, Donald F. Penrod; his older sister, Dorothea F. Penrod; and his son, Danny Lee.
Robert began his educational journey at Houston Schools in Ohio, attending 12 years from 1st grade through high school. His formative years were spent in the embrace of his family in Oran, living in the home and grocery store his father built just two years before Robert's birth.
At the tender age of 7, Robert bought his first pony, Buster, with seven silver dollars given by his father. A significant moment in his spiritual journey occurred at 12 when he was baptized in the family pond and joined the Oran Church, though he would humbly express he wasn't saved at that time.
After completing high school, Robert ventured into work at the family store, a factory in Sidney, and with various building contractors. On January 1, 1947, he joyfully married his love, Katie, and they raised Danny Lee and Rita Ann.
The fall of 1949 marked a critical juncture when Robert and Katie, riding their motorcycle, were struck by an out-of-control car. Severely injured, Robert spent the next 14 months reflecting on life and eternity. In the fall of 1950, a divine intervention transformed Robert's life. God forgave him and bestowed eternal life, a moment he cherished as the greatest event in his life.
Robert's journey of faith led him to serve as the first Scout Master for a Boy Scout troop sponsored by the Oran Congregational Christian Church. The couple, in 1954, purchased a small country general store in Logansville, Ohio, but divine plans redirected their path.
On Easter Sunday morning in 1955, under the preaching of Rev. Bill Hamilton, God called Robert to be a preacher of the gospel. Eager to undertake this great challenge, in the summer of 1956, they built a small building near New Port on land gifted by Katie's parents. Subsequently, Robert pursued theological education at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, graduating in May 1959.
Over the next 21 years, Robert passionately pastored churches in Salem, IA; Bridgman, MI; Port Leyden, NY; Danville, IL; Darlington, IN; and Michigan City, IN. His ministry extended to 13 different states, including a memorable children's dedication at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
In 1969, while serving in Port Leyden, NY, the Penrods adopted their third child, Hope Ann. Their ministry in Indiana involved service in five state prisons, including work with Prison Fellowship.
In 1981, they became directors of Child Evangelism Fellowship for La Porte County, IN, a role they fulfilled for the next 14 years. Robert's commitment to CEF took him to a 4-month course at the national headquarters in Warrington, MO.
In 1998, Robert and Katie made Virginia their home, joining Gospel Light Baptist Church. Their service continued with preaching, teaching, and even raising miniature horses, using them to present the gospel in various settings.
Robert's life was rich and fully blessed by the Lord. Witnessing God work in countless lives brought him immense joy. Now, he is in the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ, honored for his faithful service.
Those left to cherish Robert's precious and wonderful memory are his loving wife, Katie Penrod; his daughters, Rita Ann Ash and Hope Ann Brown; his 7 grandchildren; his 11 great grandchildren; his 13 great great grandchildren; and his 2 great great great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life for Robert will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Gospel Light Baptist Church (6307 Cloverdale Rd., Roanoke) at 7 pm, with visitation from 6 pm to 7 pm, a time to honor the remarkable life of Robert Penrod.
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