Wayne E. Penrod, 92, of Poneto passed away on Thursday morning, Dec. 14, 2023, at Stillwater Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.
Wayne was born on Nov. 8, 1931 in Jackson Township, Wells County to Ray E. and Helen M. (Bird) Penrod. He graduated from Jackson Center High School. Following graduation, Wayne served his country in the Korean War.
He worked for International Harvester for 30 years, retiring in 1980. Wayne was a member of Masonic Lodge #242 in Warren, American Legion Post #111 in Bluffton, Eastern Star #48 in Bluffton and Poneto Faith Community Church.
On Sept. 7, 1953, Wayne and Patricia Ann (Safewright) were married in Clinton, South Carolina. Together they shared 58 years of marriage before her passing on January 5, 2012.
Survivors include his granddaughters, Casey (Mike) Householder of North Judson, Jessica and Erika of Florida and a grandson Logan (Anne) Gerber of Fort Wayne, along with three great-grandchildren; Emiley, Michael and Alyssa Householder.
He is also survived by a brother Lester (Pat) Penrod of Carrollton, Ky., a son-in-law Kevin Ivins and a daughter-in-law Stacy Penrod, both of Bluffton.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Patti, his daughter Lavon Ivins and his son Richard R. Penrod.
A memorial service will be held at a future date with Pastor Roy Nevil officiating. Service details will be updated here as soon as they are available.
Burial will take place at Grove Cemetery in rural Poneto, Indiana.
Memorials may be given to Poneto Faith Community Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lemler family of Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home in Bluffton. Friends can send online condolences to the family at www.thomarich.com.