Lawrence (Larry, Lodie, Doc) Penner was born on a farm near Halstead, Kansas on August 27, 1935 to John and Augusta (Schroeder) Penner. He was the 6th of 8 children. While on the farm he attended a one room school house, and when he was four years old his mother died at the age of 29. Lawrence's father was successful at holding things together with the help of family and Lawrence's grandfather who lived with the family. In 1942 the family moved to Newton, Kansas
He met Carol Sue Fluke at the Newton roller skating rink and they were married on July 26, 1959 in Newton. He eventually hired on the with Western Electric, and they were transferred to Dodge City. He retired from Western Electric after 32 years of service, and then started a second career with Nortel Communications for an additional 9 years. He also served several years with the US Naval Reserves.
Lawrence had a lot of interests including cars, airplanes, radios, bowling and auctions. He was an avid collector of many things. He loved to play gold and watched it on TV. He especially liked to gold with his childhood friends, John and Bill Bevan. He was a longtime member of the Newton American Legion Post #2, and loved going out there on a Friday night. He was well known for asking a lot of questions and telling a lot of stories.
He is survived by his sons, Mike (Bob), Tom, Jefferey, Todd (Cindy) and Craig; grandchildren, Jonathon and Anyssa (David). Lawrence is also survived by his sister Lucille Penner Smith, and Brother Max (Joan)
He was preceded in death by his wife Sue, parents John and Augusta, sister Bernice, sister Evelyn Penner Smith and brother-in-law Leroy Smith, brother Vernon, brother John Henry and sister-in-law Dolores Penner, brother Frank, brother-in-law Jerry Smith, sister-in-law Darlene "Jo" Androes, brother-in-law Jim Paulson, and daughter-in-law Tanya Penner.
His family will gather with friends for visitation on Thursday, December 14, from 5-7 p.m. His memorial service will be held on Friday, December 15 at 2:00 p.m., both will be at Petersen Family Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St., Newton, KS.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hands Humane Society or Newton American Legion Post #3, and left in care of Petersen Family Funeral Home. Please sign his online guestbook for the family to see.