Charles Pennell

Charles R. Pennell 89, of Abilene Texas, lost his battle with dementia on Wednesday, May 29, 2024.

Mr. Pennell, was known by everyone who knew him as Charlie. Charlie was born on December 20,1934 in Sweetwater Texas. His Parents were Raymond and Mazell Pennell, and were long time residents of Nolan County. He grew up in Sweetwater and would later go on to graduate from Sweetwater High school in 1954. Charlie entered the Air Force that same year and was stationed in various locations including Germany for the four years of service he served.

He then found a lifelong career in truck driving, hauling jet fuel, sheetrock, and other items. He worked briefly as a machinist for Automation Industries in Abilene. Then in 1971, he applied to United Parcel Service and drove a feeder route for them for 26 years. He retired from UPS in 1998.

Charlie married Betty Layman from Comanche, Texas on August 27, 1958. They had two children. Their first child, Charles Michael, was born April 27, 1962. Their second child, Teresa Lynn, was born on April 26, 1968.

They have four grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Charlie loved western movies but especially Clint Eastwood westerns. He loved to listen to Blue Grass and country and western music He also had an appreciation for Scottish bagpipes. He was an amazing father and a loving spouse. His sense of humor was first-rate and was always smiling and in a good mood.

Charlie will be remembered and missed by his wife of 65 years, his son Mike Pennell of

Abilene Texas, his daughter Teresa Polk and son-in-law Tim Polk of Ft. Worth Texas, and his grandchildren; Jadon Pennell of Cincinnati Ohio, Dara Quintana of Albuquerque New Mexico, Cody Polk of Ft. Worth Texas, and Dillon Polk also of Ft.Worth, Texas.

Charlie is the oldest of four children, Clara Mae Doggett of Denver City Texas, Lomita McDonell of Sweetwater Texas, and Alice Whitley also of Sweetwater Texas.

Viewing and visitation will be Thursday June 6, 2024, from 5 to 7pm at Elmwood Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Abilene Texas, and funeral services are Friday June 7, 2024 at 1:00 pm at Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Abilene Texas.