Don Pennington 80, of Columbia, IL., born August 2, 1944 in Louisville, KY., passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loving family

Don retired from Lake St. Charles Retirement Center. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Columbia, IL. He loved grilling, watching football, going to the casinos, and driving his corvette, but most of all spending time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roscoe and Edith, nee Miller, Pennington; his father and mother-in-law, Henry and Wanda Kemp; two sisters, Shirley Spurgeon and Billie Grogan; a sister-in-law, JoAnn Ramey; and a brother-in-law, Ivan Linhardt.

Surviving are his loving wife of 49 years, Fern S. Pennington, nee Kemp; four children, Ricky Mitchell of Key West, FL., Shirelle (Dan) Zimmerman of Columbia, IL., Jason (Nicole) Pennington of Columbia, IL., and Jennifer Andrews of Murray, KY; a sister, Juanita Linhardt of Bowling Green, KY; seven  grandchildren, Heather (Matt) Strayhorn, Josh Douglas, Jake Douglas, Madison Pennington, Taylor Parks, Tyler Andrews, and Kaydenn Pennington; and six great grandchildren. Don was also a dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Memorials may be made to Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCFoundation.org)

Visitation will be on Thursday, November 21, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Braun Family Funeral Home 265 Quarry Rd. Columbia, IL. Funeral services will begin at 7:00 p.m. with Reverend Danny Berry and Reverend Gene Rauls officiating. At Don's request a private cremation will follow.