Rev. Gerald E. Penn, age 81, a resident of Wyatt and longtime pastor of the First Assembly of God Church in Charleston, died Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Born May 3, 1938, in Chicago, IL, to Charles and Alma Stults Penn, he moved to Chesterton, IN in 1950 where he graduated from High School then attended North Central Bible College in Minneapolis, MN. He was employed in the clerical department of Inland Steel Corporation in East Chicago, IN and later as payroll clerk for Power Piping in Gary, IN while he continued his studies through the Indiana District Assemblies of God program which culminated with his ordination in August 1985.
His first ministry assignment was co-pastor of the Assembly of God Church in Lawrenceville, IN. His next ministry was in the Chesterton Assembly of God Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Youth Leader, and Youth Pastor, before being the Associate Pastor. He then pastored the Assembly of God Church in Alfordsville, IN prior to his move to Charleston in 1985 where he served as Senior Pastor until his retirement in 2017.

Brother Penn had been honored as Charleston's Citizen of the Year in 1996 and was a recipient of the Sam Walton Business Leader Award being nominated by Charleston Chamber of Commerce. These recognitions represent his high level of community involvement and commitment. In addition to pastoring his church congregation, he willingly gave of himself to pastor those in need outside his congregation. He was chosen to serve as Presbyter and Executive Presbyter of the Southern Missouri District of the Assembly of God Churches.
His involvements included membership in the Kiwanis Club, the Charleston Ministerial Alliance where he was currently serving as President; and time of service on the Board of Directors for Charleston Chamber of Commerce, Teen Challenge, Visiting Nurses Association, Caring Communities, FEMA, University of Missouri Extension, DAEOC, and former Chairman of the local chapter of the Salvation Army, Vice Chairman of the County Inter-Agency Council, Membership Chairman of the Sikeston Art League, was a honorary member of the Mississippi County Rescue Squad.

On November 27, 1971 he married Jane Marie Emory who survives of the home.

Also surviving is one daughter and son in law, Michelle and Bryan Feezor of Wyatt, two grandchildren, Lee-Ellen Feezor and William Rush Feezor both of Wyatt; and one sister in law, Emily Penn of Chesterton, IN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Clarence "Butch" Penn, Kenneth Allen Penn, and Donald Charles Penn; and one sister, Flora Jane Penn.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2020, from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the First Assembly of God Church, 608 S. Main Street in Charleston where funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 am on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Officiants will be the church pastor, Rev. Dave McLucas and representatives from the Southern Missouri District for Assembly of God. The eulogy will be offered by his grandson, William Rush Feezor.

Interment will follow in the IOOF Cemetery under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Rush Feezor, Danny Harris, Hunter Harris, David Harris, Luke Harris, Brian Bickford, Keith Bickford, and Bobby McKenzie.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Caleb Harris, Sam Harris and Jerry Whittington.

Memorial Contributions may be given to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 or to the First Assembly of God Church, P.O. Box 364, Charleston, Missouri 63834.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.