Elwin J. Penny, 77, of Decatur died February 27, 1997 at Orange, CA.  A memorial service was held March 7 at United Methodist Church in Decatur with the Rev. Judith Clark Wharton officiating.  Dona beard was organist.

Burial followed at Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur, with military graveside rites by American Legion Post No 215 of Decatur.

Honorary casket bearers were Joe , Phil, Trevor and Ty Penny, Jay and Travis Vogltance and Brent Ortmeier.

Penny was born December 29, 1919 at Decatur, the son of Bernard W. and Ethel Mary (Farrens) Penny.  He moved with his family to Martin, SD in 1923 and they returned to Decatur in 1936.  He graduated from Decatur High School in 1939.

In 1941 Penny went to Los Angeles, CA, to work.  Thee he married Hazel "Luthy" Waddell on January 30, 1943.

He served in the United States Army during World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in April 1943.  The family moved to Decatur in February of 1944 and farmed near Decatur until moving to Phoenix, AZ in March 1959.  There he drove truck.

In May 1967 they returned to Decatur and he farmed until his death.

Penny was a past master of Star Lodge No 88 in 1955 and member of the Pilot Lodge No 240, Good Sam Club and American Legion Post No 215.

Preceding him in death were his parents; wife; grandson, Shane, sister, Norma; and son-in-law, Allan Bernard.

Survivors include a daughter, Enid Bernard of Green Valley, AZ; son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Charlene Penny of Taft, CA; five grandchildren, Jay, Holly, Trevor, Ty, Tara; five great-grandchildren, Brandy, Travis, Brent, Shelby and Jordan; brother and sister-in-law, Forrest and Erma Penny of Decatur; six sisters, Wilma Maddox, Lois (Mrs. Francis) Erickson and Helen Erickson, all of California, Bonnie (Mrs. Dave) Banner of Texas, Elaine (Mrs. Dan) Smith of Lyons and Jeanine Penny of Kansas; brother in law, Ted Luthy and wife, Bea of California; special friend, Doris Frazier, nieces and nephews.