Frank Kenneth “Ken” Penland, 74, of Morganton, NC, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 3, 2023.
Born in Cleveland County, NC on November 7, 1948, he was the son of the late Frank Wesley Penland and Christine Denton Penland.
Mr. Penland was a 30+ year member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Morganton, NC, where he was actively serving as a deacon and secretary treasurer.
He graduated from George Hildebran High School. Ken served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Star. An avid sports fan, he officiated high school sports of all kinds and was the clock operator for East Burke High School Football for over 30 years. Ken also attended all his grandson’s sporting events and enjoyed watching Carolina Basketball and the Atlanta Braves. He loved hunting, fishing, and especially spending time with his family.
Ken is survived by his wife of 52 years, Hazel Wyatt Penland; daughter, Tonya Penland Manus (Chris); grandson and apple of his eye, Wyatt Christopher Manus; siblings, Steve Penland (Betty), Larry Penland (Faith), and Frances Penland Burnette (John); special niece, Lori Hodges; and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Ken was preceded in death by a sister, Donna Walker.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Morganton, NC. The funeral will be held at 3 p.m. in the church with Rev. Doug Price and Mr. Tommy Sain officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the NC National Guard.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Tribute Wall
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Ken was my friend. Honest, Loyal and enjoyable to be with. Many fond memories; bass fishing at Dale Earnhardt home we saw Dale, wife and toddler Dale Jr. Ken was a Earnhardt fan. Santee SC Lake Marion lakehouse one night Ken, Boyd, myself and others were shooting pool. Boyd said he heard TV weatherman say up to 85 mph wind gusts. Ken said yeah yeah in disbelief. Few seconds later a big tree blew by window overlooking Lake and power went out. Boyd said I told you. Boyd and Ken always had a special kinda dialog. Ken and and Roger Beechem kept us laughing. So many good memories of Ken Penland but most important memory is Ken was saved and I will see him again ❤️
Hazel & Family: I was so sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
I have know Ken for close to 30 years and he was always the warm happy caring man you always saw. It was my privilege to call him my friend. I knew at work, and at church, and he was a man who loved his Savior and walked with him. I will truly miss him.
I am so sorry about Kenny. He will be missed! He was a really great guy. Made you laugh all the time. Going to miss him! Much love and prayers to the family
Hearing of Kens passing was quite the shock! Hazel and Ken are very special to our family as one of the first people to welcome us to Pleasant Grove and always came to speak to myself or the kids. Elizabeth always had to go give him a big hug when she was small and ask him if he was ok when he was going through cancer. Ken always asked about Daltons football and baseball goings on and we even kept in touch on messenger while Hazel was in the hospital. He will be sorely missed especially by Brittany who visited their home a few times a month to help with Hazel and her house work as she was feeling down. We Love you Hazel and please let us know how or what we can do in the days and weeks ahead
He was a very nice person. I got to meet him at the East Burke High School football games and enjoyed talking with him all the time. I will be praying for the family during this time.
So sorry for your loss I know you will miss him terribly . He's in Heaven now with no more pain and suffering . My prayers for you and your family and friends. He was definitely a good man and will be missed .
I'm so sad to hear this .Ken was such a good man .We worked over at Broughton Hospital for many years before he retired. I was nineteen when i started working. And he looked after .Such a good man .My condolences to the family your in my thoughts and prayers.