Jesse 'Jess' Wayne Pennington

Jesse ‘Jess’ Wayne Pennington, 86, of Matthews, Mo., formerly of Poplar Bluff, and Sikeston, Mo., passed away Thursday, March 5, 2020, at Cotton Point Living Center in Matthews.

Jess, the son of the late Francis I. and Bessie J. Schuemate Pennington, was born Aug. 17, 1933, in Harviell, Mo.  He was of the Baptist faith and had retired from Smiley Container Company.  Jess also was a former member of United Paper Workers Union.  He enjoyed reading, being outdoors, gardening, hiking, biking and fishing, but was the happiest when he was with his family, especially his four grandsons and a new great-grandson.

Jess married the love of his life, Francis May Winch on June 29, 1968.  She preceded him in death on Sept. 24, 2011.

Jess is survived by two daughters, Angela (Jeff) Hardin of Sikeston and Maria (Kenny) Willis of Bullard, Texas; four grandsons, William Jesse Walz, Trevor David Walz, Taustin Drake Hardin and Dayton Hunter Hardin; a great-grandson Bradley Mason Walz; a brother Dan Pennington of Sahuirita, Ariz., and a sister Margaret Miller  of Caledonia, Mo.

In addition to his wife and parents Jess was preceded in death by three brothers, Jim Pennington, Richard Pennington  and Donald Pennington and three sisters, Jewell Mayo, Shirley Nely and Peggy Fortman.

Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, March 10, 2020 at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff.  A graveside service and burial will follow at 11 a.m. at Cochran Cemetery in Butler County, with Rev. Jim Schremp officiating.  Pallbearers will be Kenny Willis, William Walz, Trevor Walz, Jeff Hardin, Taustin Hardin and Robert Miller.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Jesse W. Pennington.