Obituaries

Willard Penfold

Willard L. Penfold
July 3, 1942 – June 26, 2025

ELBERTA — Willard Leslie Penfold, 82, husband of the late Lois Penfold, departed for his eternal home on June 26, 2025, after a brief illness.

He was born in Cheboygan, Michigan, on July 3, 1942, to the late Valley Clarence and Violet May Warner Penfold.

The family includes daughters, Diane (David) Phy and Leslie (David) Hill; grandchildren, Shelly Hill, Payton (Bev) Hill, and Celeste Phy; great-grandchildren, Jayton Buck, Braxton Hill, Brenton Buck, Dreyson Hill, and Jax Gastineau; a sister: Amy Clark; Carla’s husband: Scott Sutherland; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws. He also leaves behind his dear friends who were considered family: Bill (Teresa) Thomas and their family; Wednesday Morning Breakfast Group: the aforesaid, Terry Pampel, Jack Williams, Jim Runtz, and David Angle; and several neighbors and friends.

Mr. Penfold was preceded in death by daughter, Carla Starkey Sutherland; brothers: Willis, Johnny, and Emerson Penfold; and sisters, Beatrice Reno, Dorisie Pincombe, Rosie Winebarger, Frances Miller, Leona O’Connell, and Donna Kovach.

Mr. Penfold was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army. He served his country during the Vietnam War.

He was a quality inspector at GM–Powertrain in Romulus, Michigan, before his retirement in 1999. While working, Willard and Lois enjoyed traveling in their motor home, planning family reunions, and snowmobiling. After retiring from GM, the Penfolds made their home in Alabama.

Mr. Penfold had several hobbies throughout his life, which included hunting, fishing, woodworking, key making, mowing, bicycling, walking the neighbor’s dogs, spending time with friends, playing the guitar, and singing karaoke. Mr. Penfold was a dear friend to many and will be missed.

He was a longtime member of Swift Presbyterian Church.

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A Witness to the Resurrection service was Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Swift Church.

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