Lawrence E. Pennington

After a long and courageous battle with prostate cancer, Lawrence (Larry) Pennington passed peacefully from the arms of loved ones to the arms of Christ at Providence Village. A private family service will be held at Waco Memorial Funeral Home on March 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with the Reverend Wayne Williams officiating. A private family burial will follow the service.

Larry was born in Andersonville, GA, on December 5, 1930, and lived in Americus, GA, until his marriage to Betsy Evans in 1952. That union began a journey worldwide, including 16 Air Bases, professional schools, and civilian assignments, all while raising three wonderful children and creating a home filled with love and adventure. After his military retirement, Larry and Betsy spent 16 joyful years traveling through Europe and Asia, including a year spent living in Australia before returning to Texas.

Larry had a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, marked by dedication, leadership, and a willingness to undertake the most challenging assignments. He enlisted on August 4, 1950, and qualified for officer training, being assigned to the 3713th Basic Military Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base. From there, his career took him worldwide and into roles of increasing responsibility.

After earning his commission, Larry embarked on a journey that included flying assignments, leadership roles, and critical training missions. His early career saw him develop his ability in aviation operations, tactical air delivery, and weather reconnaissance. In early May of 1972, he was assigned as Commander of the Hurricane Hunters (53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron) in Puerto Rico. He and his family moved to Ramey AFB, where he led missions that flew directly into storms to collect vital meteorological data. This assignment, one of the most unique of his career, made a significant contribution to scientific advancements and the safety of communities in storm-prone regions.

Following his tenure with the Hurricane Hunters, Larry continued to take on greater leadership responsibilities. He underwent extensive training at Castle AFB for KC-135 flight operations and at Carswell AFB for B-52 flight training, expanding his ability and preparing for the next phase of his career. His adaptability and dedication led him to March AFB in California, where he first served as Base Commander.

In January 1977, Larry was honored with the opportunity to serve as Wing Commander of the 22nd Bomb Wing. This role placed him at the forefront of strategic operations, overseeing nuclear readiness, mission planning, and aircrew training while managing the base’s infrastructure and personnel. His leadership philosophy was simple: take care of the people under his command, and they would rise to meet any challenge. After nearly three decades of service, Larry retired in 1977, bringing to a close a remarkable chapter of military service that had taken him across the globe and into the heart of some of the Air Force’s most critical missions.

Larry's life was a testament to love—a love that started the moment he saw Betsy Evans riding a striking pinto horse in a parade for the Baylor Rodeo Queen selection. At that moment, he knew she was special. Though he hesitated to ask her out, fate intervened, bringing them together at a local gathering where he finally found the courage to ask her to dance. That single dance marked the beginning of a lifetime of companionship, laughter, and unwavering devotion. They built a life together rooted in faith, adventure, and a deep appreciation for one another. Their marriage, first a secret elopement, soon became a shining example of partnership and commitment. Together, they raised three children—Ed, Ann, and Lori—teaching them the values of integrity, love, and resilience. Larry took immense pride in his role as a father, later as a grandfather, and even as a great-grandfather, finding joy in every shared story, every meal around the family table, and every small moment that made life so rich.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wicker Pennington and Beatrice (Williams) Pennington; brothers, Junior, Johnny, and Billy Pennington; his beloved wife, Elizabeth Ann (Betsy) Pennington; and his sons-in-law, Timothy (Tim) Wise and Jeffrey (Jeff) Mathis.

He will be deeply missed by his son, Edward Pennington, and his wife, Debbie; his daughter, Margaret Ann Wise, and her partner, Cullen (Stormy) Reeves, Jr.; his daughter, Lori Elizabeth Mathis; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Phil Evans. His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren: Lori Wise, Elizabeth Goss, and her husband, Christian; Dr. Alyson Vokes and her husband, Dr. Colin Vokes; and Marcus Pennington and his wife, Morgan. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Trinity Wise, Christian and Tylan Goss, Matthew, Parker, Hunter Vokes, and Alex and Taylor Pennington. Along with his beloved family, he leaves behind hundreds of dear friends from around the world who will forever hold him in their hearts.

Honorary pallbearers will be Edward Pennington, Marcus Pennington, Cullen Reeves, Christian Goss, and Colin Vokes.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Kevin Mullins of Providence Hospice Care for his selfless and generous care during Larry's final days. Kevin was integral in ensuring a peaceful passing for our father.

In place of flowers, the family requests that gifts or memorials be made to The Methodist Children's Home or Meals on Wheels.

Larry Pennington was a man of wisdom, humor, and deep faith. He believed in the power of love—the love that binds families, the love that sustains friendships, and the love that endures through generations. His was well-lived, and his legacy will continue to shine through those who knew and loved him.