John Paul Penn

BLOOMINGTON — John "Paul" Penn, 72, of Bloomington, passed away at 7:29 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 1, 2016) at his home.

His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal, with the Rev. Jeffery Windy officiating. Paul's family requests casual attire for those attending. Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Penn family to assist each of his grandchildren in their future endeavors.

He was born Jan. 17, 1944, in Bloomington, a son of William and Laverne Alcorn Penn. He married Mary E. Shanks on June 20, 1964, at Holy Trinity Church.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Penn, Bloomington; four children, Angie (Brian) Greer, Shiloh; Cheryl Penn and John (Caryn) Penn, both of Bloomington; and Teresa (fiance, Josh Waller) Penn, Normal; and six grandchildren, Allison Greer, Danielle Greer, Tyler Brownell, Elizabeth Brownell, Jonna Penn and Jonathan Penn.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Billy Joe Penn; a sister, June Basham; and his parents-in-law, Wilbur and Dorothy Shanks.

Paul worked for Laborers Local 362 prior to joining the U.S. Army, where he honorably served from 1962 to 1964. He then worked for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 197 until starting his own business, Penn Electric.

Paul was an electrician for over 45 years. He was past secretary of the Homebuilders Association and past assistant business agent for the IBEW. Paul was one of the first to erect a Christmas tree on State Farm's corporate headquarters during its construction.