Henry Penn

The sun did rise on February 7, 1935, and Henry Penn did enter this world. The sun did set on November 11, 2019, and Henry began his journey to Father Abrahams Bosom. Born in Covington Louisiana to Clarence Penn and Rosaline Roberts-Penn. Henry was the eldest sibling of 21 children. Henry and his mother at the age of five moved from Covington to Baton Rouge, where he attended Blondon Elementary on Reddi St. and later McKinley High.

He entered the Marine Corp in 1957 and in 1958 he met Jessie Lee Allen and in 1965 they were married, and five 5 children were born to them.  His first job was at the age of five, using a specially built 2 pint carrier he picked strawberries, at seven years of age, he worked at Circle Tavern, peeling potatoes, age ten, he worked at Glen Lanes Bowling Alley, in Baton Rouge, racking pins, at age 12, he worked at Holland Bowling Center, in Baton Rouge, age 16, he worked for Clarain Concrete, making Septic Tanks. Once he moved to Michigan, he worked at Michigan Standard Alloys, where he helped build furnaces, Superior Steel, Mallables, Michigan Fruit Cannery, and for 14 years he worked as needed for Spinks Corners Fruit Exchange, where he supervised, trained, and operated machinery for pressing Apple Cider.

 He played Bass guitar with The Willie Odd Band, Covington La., He was dear friends with Musician/Singer Terry Evans, who now plays lead guitar at Disney Land

He loved fishing, gardening, bird watching, shooting pool, bowling, music, tinkering with electronics, building things, such as antennas, family, and neighbors.  He was a very patient and humble man, temperance in character, fun-loving, and had a gift of making people smile or laugh.  He created an atmosphere of peace and love. He spoke to everyone; he never met a stranger.  A longtime resident of River Terrace from 1983-2019, where his neighbors became family, always looking out for each other.

 He leaves seven children Pamela Bradley, Gerry Winston Sr., Daughter-in-law Doris Winston, Gregory Penn, Sharon Penn, Michael Penn, Beverly Penn, and Anthony Penn Surviving Siblings, William Penn, Geraldine Penn- Thomas, Johnny Lee Penn, Willester Penn Sr., Robert Penn Sr., Earl Penn, Bernard Penn Sr., Melvin Penn Sr., Carey Penn, Linda Penn-Young, Irma Penn-McClain, Barbara Penn, Marilyn Penn-Jackson, and Hazel Shekinah. And a host of Grandchildren/Great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, siblings, friends, and an uncle David Booker.

Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Everett Morris, Clarence Penn Jr., Larry Penn, Sisters Gloria Penn, Hazel Penn, and Laura Penn-Vicks. 

He was a community man, in his later years ensuring generations of families had transportation to and from their destinations. He was A true Laborer in the field of life. Our Savior said, “The Harvest is great, but the laborers are few.” Thank you, Poppa, for your service, we will love and miss you! Ahman

Arrangements are pending at this time.

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