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Michael J. (Mike) Penn

Born:  August 10, 1948                       Died: July 18, 2009

Michael J. Penn passed away in his home in Rogersville , MO , on July 18, 2009 of natural causes.  Michael was born to Wendell and Rosamunde Penn on August 10, 1948 in Springfield , MO.   He graduated from Glendale High School in 1966.   

Mike followed in his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the US Army in November 1966 and subsequently completed Airborne Training.  He served with the 101^st Airborne Division in Vietnam in 1968-69 and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with V for Valor, three Purple Heart Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, one with V for Valor, the Air Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, plus earning the Combat Infantry Badge and Parachute Badge.  Mike was released from active duty as a Sergeant in September 1969 and subsequently attained the rank of Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserve.

Upon his release from the Army Mike married and had a son, Casey, who preceded him in death at the age of 11 after a tragic accident.  Mike was never the same after this loss.

Mike worked for Kraft Foods in Springfield , MO for 27 years and retired in 1997.  He loved fishing, hunting and camping.  He was a Life Member of the American Legion, Post 639; the Disabled American Veterans; Military Order of the Purple Heart; and Ducks Unlimited.

Mike is survived by his mother, Rosamunde Penn; two sisters, Susanne Penn of Houston , Texas , and Patricia Wilkinson and her husband, Ken, of Tucson , Arizona ; and a brother, Steven Penn of Springfield .

Mike is interred with his son at the Springfield National Cemetery in Springfield , Missouri .  American Legion District Commander Al Powers, American Legion Post 639 Chaplain Bob Carroll, and the Patriot Guard all assisted in providing full military honors during the services.  You may click on any of the pictures for a larger view.