Charles “Chuck” Freeman Pennington

Charles “Chuck” Freeman Pennington, 71, passed away on Friday August 1, 2014 in Sacramento, CA following a brief illness. Chuck was born on October 15, 1942 in Modesto, CA to parents Reverend Roy and Emogene Pennington. He was a loving husband, great father, and special “Papa Chuck” to his grandchildren. An only child he also leaves behind numerous cousins whom he considered the brothers and sisters he never had. From the thousands of phone calls, texts, and Facebook messages, the family has received; we know that he also will be missed by many friends, former employees and professional colleagues.

Chuck spent his life as a funeral director. A noble profession he worked in for 52 years. Starting in his late teens he became a licensed funeral director and embalmer and worked for many years in California before purchasing Betts Funeral Home in Wenatchee, WA which he owned for 15 years. Upon returning to California he worked as a manager and executive with national funeral service companies SCI, Neptune Society and Smart Cremation. Still working at the age of 71 he was the VP of Operations for Smart Cremation at the time of his death. He will be remembered by those he worked with as a leader, mentor, inspiration and one who was dedicated to his profession, the people he worked with and to the families which he served.

He is survived by his wife LaDonna Pennington and their (his little girl) precious Bichon Abby of Scottsdale, AZ and four children; Scott and Julie Pennington and their children Spenser and Garrison of CA. Steve and Trina Pennington and their children; Josiah, Priscilla and Husband Reed Burr and Micah Pennington of E Africa. Susan and Husband Eric Thomas and his children Emma and Brian of WA. Jennifer Pennington and her children; Tyler, Anthony, Nathan, and Xavier. Step Children, Brian and Cammie Bigham and their children; Payton and Preston of WA. Lori and Christian Tudor and daughter Joanne of CA.

Chuck is preceded in death by his parents Reverend Roy and Emogene Pennington and his Bichon Son, Andy.

A Memorial Service celebrating Chucks’ life will be held at New Life Church in Alamo, California on Monday, October 13, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. Chuck will be laid to rest near his parents at Lakewood Memorial Park in Hughson, CA in a private service. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Chuck’s name to A/G World Missions, Africa’s Hope – Account #682769 Class 50, 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, MO 65802 – www.giving.ag.org.