Terry Pennington

Terry Pennington, 82, died September 13, 2026.

Terry was a devoted family man whose life was defined by hard work, generosity, and an unwavering willingness to put others before himself. Family was always at the center of his life, and he took great pride in providing for and caring for those he loved. He was generous with his time and talents and was always willing to lend a hand, rarely expecting anything in return.

Terry enjoyed a long and successful career with Boeing, retiring as Director of Facilities. His strong work ethic, leadership, and ability to get things done served him well throughout his career. A skilled craftsman, Terry also had a remarkable ability to work with his hands. He took pride in doing things the right way and brought patience, determination, and attention to detail to whatever project he undertook.

Terry shared 50 years of marriage with his wife, Judy. Together, they traveled extensively, seeing new places, experiencing new things, and creating a lifetime of memories. Wherever their travels took them, Terry and Judy collected Christmas ornaments as keepsakes, building a collection that told the story of the many places they had visited together.

Christmas held a particularly special place in Terry and Judy’s hearts, and they celebrated it on a grand scale. Each year, their home was transformed for the holidays, with as many as 19 Christmas trees, each decorated in its own unique theme. There were formal and traditional trees, as well as trees devoted to antiques, snowmen, golf, wine, poker, gingerbread men, peppermints, and even the pool table. No room was overlooked—even the laundry room had its own Christmas tree.

Their love of Christmas extended outdoors, where Terry and Judy created an elaborate display that illuminated both the front and back yards with tens of thousands of lights. Their home became a holiday destination, regularly drawing party buses and limousine tours traveling around Wichita to see the area’s Christmas displays. What began as something Terry and Judy loved doing together became a Christmas tradition enjoyed by countless others.

A gifted athlete and fierce competitor, Terry had a lifelong love of sports. He was an accomplished, low-handicap golfer who enjoyed both the competition and camaraderie of the game. He was also an avid sports fan who loved following college athletics and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was an especially loyal supporter of Wichita State basketball and held season tickets for many years.

Some of Terry’s greatest joy came from sharing his life and experiences with his children and grandchildren. He loved telling them stories from his life and passing along the things he knew. He taught them to swim and ski, to shoot a basketball and play baseball, and countless other things along the way. But perhaps the most important lessons Terry taught were the ones that required no words. Through the example he set every day, he showed his children and grandchildren the meaning of hard work, generosity, perseverance, responsibility, selflessness, and putting family first.

Above all, Terry loved his family deeply. His legacy lives not only in what he accomplished during his lifetime, but in the lessons he passed down, the traditions he created, the memories he gave his family, and the example he leaves for his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and generations to come.

Visitation will be from 6:00–8:00 p.m., Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 18, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Josephine Pennington; wife, Judy Pennington; daughter, Suanne Devlin; brother, Max Pennington; and grandson, Colby Self.

He is survived by his sons, Mike (Kari) Pennington of Wichita and Scott (Kellie) Pennington of Flower Mound, Texas; brother, Scott (Sherry) Pennington of Joplin, Missouri; grandchildren, Kacie Wilson, Matt (Jessica) Pennington, Ryan Pennington, Clinton (Julie) Self, Wesley (Kelby) Benefield, Dawson Pennington, Aubrey Pennington, Kristen Devlin, James (Maddie) Zeller, and Karrie (Zach) Brooks; 19 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Terry’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his hospice nurses, Cheryl and Debbie, and to his caregivers, Esther, Mary, Albert, Alvin, and Sydney. During Terry’s final weeks, they cared for him with extraordinary kindness, compassion, patience, and dignity. Their gentle care brought comfort not only to Terry, but also to his family, and their kindness during this difficult time will always be remembered and deeply appreciated.

A memorial has been established with the Kansas Masonic Foundation, 221 SW 33rd St., Ste. 100, Topeka, KS 66611.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries — East Wichita.