Sylvanus Eugene Penserum

Sylvanus Eugene Penserum (Van), 78, of the Bonnots Mill area, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. His sons were at his side. He was born on May 20, 1947.
Van possessed a remarkable talent for restoring and repairing antique clocks and light fixtures. He often said he was born 100 years too late, a sentiment reflected in his love for vintage cars and antiques. He especially enjoyed driving his little yellow VW truck and later his Mazda Miata convertible along county roads, searching for hidden treasures in antique shops.
In 1985, Van met Rita Scott, who became his wife and devoted companion for the next 40 years. Together they embraced a life rooted in traditional skills and shared experiences. After completing a timber-framing class in Maine, they raised a post-and-beam cottage on the family century farm near Bonnots Mill. They also took classes in harnessing and driving their team of small horses, making lye soap, tapping maple trees, and producing maple syrup-activities they cherished doing side by side.
Van was deeply involved in the lives of his grandchildren. He taught them how to build teepees, make bows and arrows, fish and clean their catch, hunt for arrowheads in the creeks on the farm, and above all, how to appreciate God's creation and develop a love for nature.
He also held a profound respect for older generations. Van was a faithful companion to Rita's uncle, caring for him on the farm where the uncle was born until his passing at the age of 101.
Van developed a strong and enduring faith in God. Having endured an abusive childhood, he asked God to be his father at an early age-a relationship that guided him throughout his life. He attended the Bonnots Mill Methodist Church until its closure and was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist congregation in Jefferson City at the time of his death. Van studied the Holy Bible daily and lived his faith quietly but deeply.
He is survived by his sister, Jean Beck (Hervie); his three sons, Travis Eugene Penserum (Debi McDaniel), Joseph Andrew Penserum (Jennifer McMillin), and Jason André Penserum (Natalie Michelle Mendez); and his three step-daughters, Laura Rachellé Pierce (Eric), Sarah Asberry, and Deborah Campbell (John).
Van was a proud grandfather to Miranda Pate (Carter), Julianna Stafford (Andre'), Justin Boessen (Kaylee), Daniell Boessen, Elijah Penserum, Tallulah, Calliope, Dahlia Lear (Ben), Eva Rose, Lena Penserum, Katie Brown (Kent), Rachelle Harley (Will), Joshua Hartzler, Jessica Hartzler, James Hartzler, Sarah Fick (Josh), and Justin Campbell (Sarah). He was also blessed with seventeen great-grandchildren.
He is further survived by his faithful and dear friends, Robert Hyatt and Steve Meyer.
Van was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Walter Penserum and Mary Catherine Beck Penserum; his brothers, Charles Ray Penserum, Lawrence Delgrado Penserum, and Clifford Niel Penserum; and a grandson, John McCutchen.
Van will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his love of family, his reverence for tradition and nature, and his steadfast faith. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
Friends and family will be received from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors. Funeral Services will follow at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with Pastor Fainer Benjamin officiating. Burial will be held at Cadet Creek Cemetery in Bonnots Mill.
Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St.; Jefferson City, MO 65109. (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com