William "Ed" Edward Pennebaker's Obituary
William Edward (Ed) Pennebaker, 89, of Rogers, Arkansas passed away on February 10, 2024. He was born in Virgil, Kansas. His marriage to Louise Virginia Harbour was December 21, 1952. She preceeded him in death as did a brother, John Gilbert Pennebaker and a sister Edna Louise Holt. He is survived by three daughters and one son:
Beverly Chardell Clites and husband Ron of Wichita, Kansas;
Kim Ellen Cochran and husband Jeff of Omaha, Nebraska;
Melody Ann Wright and husband Danny of Bentonville, Arkansas;
Edward Eugene Pennebaker and wife Carol Corning of Clinton, Arkansas.
Other survivors include eight grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Ed loved sports and was a member of the small town Olney Springs, Colorado, basketball team that went to the high school state tournament nearly winning as a cinderella team. He was a catcher on the high school baseball team, an avid bowler for years, and while playing softball well into his mid fifties he broke an arm barreling into home knocking over a catcher who was blocking the plate.
Travel with his family was one of his joys. He was known for spotting and pointing out wildlife along the road. Trips to the Buffalo River valley many times were just to see the elk. Photo documentation of these many trips and family kept the memories alive for years. Motorcycle trips to both coasts and Canada were some of his fondest memories.
Ed’s sense of humor and quoting of tongue twisters and rhymes made him well loved. Before he lost his hearing he could strike up a conversation with anyone. He not only was a furniture salesman but a furniture maker, making many items like bookcases, cabinets, TV stands, puzzles, etc. His favorite food had to be ice cream. His collections included Hallmark Kiddie Cars and books. He began his book collecting with Agatha Christie books and expanded to other genres, keeping track of everything he read and building bookcases that lined the walls of a couple rooms.
Services will be at Rogers First Church of the Nazarene Saturday, February 17 with a Time of Remembrance at 1:00 and Celebration of Life at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Boys Town, 14100 Crawford Street, Boys Town, Nebraska 68010 or donate to your favorite charity. His ashes will be inurned at Rogers Cemetery in a private ceremony.
What’s your fondest memory of William "Ed"?
What’s a lesson you learned from William "Ed"?
Share a story where William "Ed"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William "Ed" you’ll never forget.
How did William "Ed" make you smile?