JOHN WAYNE PENN was the third child and first son born to the late Failous Penn and the late Rebecca Myrtle Moore Penn in Westfield, Stokes County, North Carolina.

His early formal education was at the Big Creek School in Westfield, Stokes County, North Carolina. When his family relocated from North Carolina to Pennsylvania he attended public school in Steelton and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

During his working career he was employed by Bethlehem Steel Company in Steelton, Pennsylvania. He was drafted in the United States Army and sent to Korea during the Korean Conflict. He received an Honorable Discharge and returned to his job at the Bethlehem Steel Company where he worked for 41 years. He also was employed by Spungin’s Meat Company which was later Dutch Masters Meats for 30 years.

John Wayne Penn at the age of 92 years, passed away peacefully at his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania with his wife and caregivers by his side.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings, Ralph Penn, Imogene Hubbard and Mildred Penn.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife, Shirley Humes Penn; his brother, Gary S. Penn of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; his son, Michael Johnson; his daughter, Linda Penn White (Mathew); six grandchildren, Dorita, Kelly, Mikal, Aqueelah, Lindsey and Brian; great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

John's life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 27, 2024 in the Sanctuary of The Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 212 N. Progress Avenue, Harrisburg with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.