John "Paul" Penn Obituary (1944 - 2016)

John "Paul" Penn, 72, of Bloomington, passed away at 7:29 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016 at his home. His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at Holy Cross Cemetery, with Rev. Jeffery Windy officiating. Pauls family requests casual attire for those attending. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Penn Family to assist each of his grandchildren in their future endeavors. He was born January 17, 1944 in Bloomington, a son of William and Laverne Alcorn Penn. He married Mary E. Shanks on June 20, 1964 at Holy Trinity Church. He is survived by his wife, Mary Penn of Bloomington; four children, Angie (Brian) Greer of Shiloh, Cheryl Penn and John (Caryn) Penn, both of Bloomington and Teresa (fiance Josh Waller) Penn of Normal; and six grandchildren, Allison Greer, Danielle Greer, Tyler Brownell, Elizabeth Brownell, Jonna Penn and Jonathan Penn. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Billy Joe Penn; a sister, June Basham; and his parents-in-law, Wilbur and Dorothy Shanks. Paul worked for Laborers Local #362 prior to joining the U.S. Army, where he honorably served from 1962-1964. He then worked for the I.B.E.W #197 until starting his own business, Penn Electric. Paul was an electrician for over 45 years. He was past secretary of the Homebuilders Association and past assistant business agent for the I.B.E.W. Paul was one of the first to erect a Christmas tree on State Farms Corporate Headquarters during its construction. He was an avid fan of Notre Dame, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and NASCAR. Paul took great pleasure in the many years he volunteered with the sports programs at Central Catholic High School. He delighted in the Penn familys annual trip to the Lake of the Ozarks and spending time with his furry friends, Lucky and Billy. Pauls main priority in his later years was his grandchildren; he loved spending time with them and attending all of their events. He was generous to a fault and was a loving husband, father and grandfather.