Kenneth Ilo Pennell

Kenneth Ilo Pennell, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away on Friday, May 12, 2023 and went to be with the Lord. Visitation: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 19, 2023 in White’s Chapel of Memories, 130 Houston Ave., Weatherford. Funeral Service: 1 p.m. Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Bible Family Fellowship, 110 Sosebee Road, Weatherford. Interment: East Greenwood Cemetery, Weatherford. Kenneth was born in Crosbyton, Texas on May 31, 1946, to Ila Sheldon “Pete” Pennell and Martha Maude Swift. He grew up in the panhandle of Texas and went to high school in Post. He learned at a young age the value of hard work as his father was a cotton farmer and he and his five siblings were often required to help on the farm. Kenneth much preferred helping his Mom in the kitchen to picking cotton. During high school, he worked at the icehouse, cutting, loading, and delivering ice in town where he struck a friendship up with his manager who later helped him buy his first car. At 18 years old, he enlisted in the United States Air Force where he served for 20 years and 20 days until he retired in 1985. During his military service, he toured many places around the world, and fought in the Vietnam War. It was also during this time that he became a father. He suffered the loss of his twin sons at birth, and later welcomed two daughters and a son whom he loved dearly. After the military, he worked 18+ years at Lockheed Martin as an Aircraft Quality Control Inspector until he retired in December 2010. Kenneth and wife, Betty enjoyed 30 years together and loved spending time riding the motorcycle and hunting on the deer lease. His favorite title was Papaw and he loved spending time with his grandkids. He was the best Papaw and would often surprise the kids at school with lunch and a milkshake. You could always count on him to be extra early to get front row seats for all the school programs and sporting events. Kenneth had such a generous and giving heart. He loved seeing his family smile and went above and beyond to make them happy. Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; twin sons, Tim & Jim; four of his siblings and their spouses, Wesley, Tom (Sharon), Pat (Susan), and Joy (Val). He is survived by his wife, Betty; bonus children, Krisha Bowen (Jeff), bonus grandchildren, Tori and Jacob; one brother, Johnny Pennell (Vickie); children, Kelly Waller (Levi), Cindy Pennell, and Daniel Pennell (Nicole); and three grandchildren, Delaney, Cashly, and Canyon. He leaves behind so many extended family and friends that meant the world to him. The family would also like to give a huge shout out and thank you to the ICU Nurses, Mackenzee and Jessica at Medical City Fort Worth whose love and compassion for both Kenneth and our family was simply amazing!