Charlie L. Pennington
May 9, 1931 - June 22, 2011
Obituary
Charlie ‘Mr. P’ Pennington, born May 9, 1931 in Louisville, Arkansas, 80, passed away June 22, 2011 peacefully at home next to his bride, Jean.
He was the beloved son of Mureis Foster and Fred Pennington. Mr. P was raised in Louisville where he attended high school before being drafted into service by the United States Army in 1951. Charlie was a Veteran of the Korean War. He proudly served his country in the 24th Infantry, an all-Black Regiment that was notably the first division to respond at the outbreak of the Korean War. For the first 18 months of the war, the division was heavily engaged on the front lines with North Korean and Chinese forces, suffering over 10, 000 casualties. It was withdrawn from the front lines to the reserve force for the remainder of the war, but returned to Korea for patrol duty at the end of major combat operations. Mr. P was extremely proud of his wartime service and shared many facts and stories with friends and family alike. After his honorable discharge, Mr. P became a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, where he continued to serve other Veterans in their life and in their death. He received the honor of being Commander of his chapter in 2009 and held that position until his passing.
Charlie is survived by his beloved wife, Jean, brothers and sisters: Linda, Eula Jean, Freida Mae, Thresser Ann, Johnnie Mae, Fred Lee, Jr. Brenda Willa Beatrice preceded him in death Children: Ella, Sherwood, Connie, Henry, Dwight, Dorothea and Lavert, Step-Children: Debra, Toni, Farilyn preceded him in death, Jay and Craig, his children’s spouses, several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Service was the theme of Mr. P’s life… first as a soldier, then as a Veteran and Mason. Charlie had a distinguished career of service with the Prince Hall Masons; Grand Lodge F&AM of Washington and Jurisdictions, ABIFF Lodge #37 from March 11, 1976 to his passing. He served in the capacity of Jr. Warden, 1979-81, Sr. Warden 1982-83 and Worshipful Master in 1984. Charlie went on to perform the duties of Marshall of the Lodge from 1985 till his passing. Charlie had a hand in every service event and public engagement from 1985 till 2011, that ABIFF Lodge #37 took part in. Mr. P volunteered at Tahoma National Cemetery in the Honor Guard, and as Chaplin. He served at the VA Hospital as an escort where he was honored for his service. His dedication and contribution to those in need will be honored and missed.
RIP Charlie
You went the ‘extra-mile’ many times over!
Thank You for all Your service both in active duty military and in civilian life.
The ‘Chapter A-1’ meetings won’t seem the same without your being there … We will miss You dearly!
RIP
To the family’s and friends of Mr Pennington I send my condolences for I will miss chattering with him while sitting in my Yellow Taxi #342 waiting for a call from the Red Apple grocery store parking lot again my condolences I will miss him. God Bless him.