March 10, 1918 – October 27, 2014

Robert Stroud “Bob” Pennington, of Richmond, Mo.,, formerly of Orrick, Mo., passed away Monday, October 27, 2014 at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond.

Robert was born on March 10, 1918 in Dalton, Mo., to George Clarkson and Bertha May Carson Clarkson. Following Mr. Clarkson’s death, Bertha Clarkson was united in marriage to Tolley Herbert Pennington in Holden, Mo., on June 26, 1919. Mr. Tolley H. Pennington adopted Robert and raised him as his own. He lived most of his life in the Ray County areas of Orrick and Richmond.

On May 30, 1936, he was united in marriage to Billie Marie Cheshier in a ceremony in Olathe, Kans.

His first job was working on the Wabash Railroad as a young man and later he founded, owned and operated Pennington’s Welding Shop in Orrick, Mo., from 1950 until 1980. Bob was a great welder and was recognized for this talent and was contracted by the U.S. Airforce to weld tankers during W.W.II.

He was great at fixing and building things. He had been an artist for The Kansas City Star. He loved fishing and he especially was devoted to his loving wife, Billie. Bob was a member of the Fleming Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Billie Marie Pennington on Feb. 17, 2007, a sister, and a brother.

Bob is survived by his children, Larry Pennington and wife, Janice of Camden, Mo., Joyce Stock of Independence, Mo., Roger Pennington and wife, Marsha of Liberty, Mo., Karen Vandiver of Orrick, Mo., Nina Courtney and husband, Doug of Richmond, Mo., and Robin Cado and husband, Patrick of Lexington, Mo.

Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the Gowing Funeral Home in Orrick.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 31, 2014 at South Point Cemetery near Orrick.

Memorials may be given to South Point Cemetery Association in his memory.