Duane Pennington

Duane Pennington, 84, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, accepted his heavenly reward, eternal life with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on Thursday, October 25, 2018. He was born November 3, 1933 in Fullerton, California. Duane was a "man's man" in every sense of the phrase, but as gentle, kind, and caring a man as one could have the pleasure of meeting. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, Duane's life always reflected Christ. He was a multi-sport star in southern California high school lore and had an opportunity in professional baseball, but he instead chose family and service to his country. A truck driver in southern California for many years, he concluded his pre-retirement years as a successful business owner. His legacy for his grandchildren and great grandchildren will be one of devotion to Christ, hard work, selfless giving, and caring for others. Duane leaves behind the one and only true love of his life, Ruth Dyer Pennington, his wife of 67 years; his only child, whom he adored (and she worshiped him), Marcia Leann Bertram (husband Steve); four grandchildren, Lacie Leann Jones (husband James David), Steven Dyer Bertram (wife Devin), Maegan June Bertram (husband Tim), and Melanie Katherine Bertram; nine great-grandchildren, Mallory, Ava, Jackson, Emelia, Reece, Brantley, Bradley, Blaze and Stella; very special family/friends, Roy and Barbara Beebe, and family and friends too numerous to name. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, November 2 at Phillips Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in Springdale, with services at 11 a.m. Friday also at the church. Interment will be 1 p.m. Saturday, at Dyer Cemetery in Dyer, Arkansas. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Phillips Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, 3074 S. 48th St., Springdale, Ark. 72762, Washington Regional Hospice, P.O. Box 356, Fayetteville, Ark. 72702, or Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, 17001 Prairie Star Parkway Lenexa, Kan. 66220. Arrangements are with Heritage Funeral Home, online obituary guestbook at www.heritageofnwa.com.