Rochelle Robert Penny

Rochelle Robert Penny, age 100 and 10 months to the day, of Paragould, died at his residence this past Friday. He was retired from Penny's Upholstery and spent 17 years as Head Chef at Missouri Baptist Hospital. Rochelle served in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant with the Infantry. He was awarded three Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, a Good Conduct Medal, a Distinguished Unit Citation, and a Commendation for Meritorious Service. He was a member of East Side Baptist Church and former Chairman of Deacons at Overland Baptist Church in St. Louis. Rochelle was the son of the late Robert "Bob" and Martha Elizabeth "Betty" Cole Penny. He was also preceded in death by his son, Stanley Penny; daughter, Karen Wilhelm; three brothers; and five sisters. He is survived by 2 sisters-in-law, Patsy Penney of Jonesboro and Alberta Penney of Jakin, GA. He married the love of his life on October 3, 1945, 2 months after meeting her when he returned from the war. After nearly 70 years, he is survived by his loving wife, Betty Jo Penny of Paragould; daughter, Cheryl Penny-Coffin of Colorado Springs, CO (recently of Paragould); son-in-law, Virgle "Dutch" Wilhelm of Tahlequah, OK; former daughter-in-law, Marcella "Marci" Norman Penny of St. Charles, MO; granddaughter, Penny Kristen (Wilhelm) Johnson of Cave City, AR, husband, David Johnson, and son, Ryan; grandson, Erik Wilhelm of Dallas, TX, wife, Stephanie (carrying 1st girl great grandchild!); grandson, Kyle Penny of Bethalto, IL, wife, Tammy, and son, Nickey; granddaughter, Jessica (Penny) Steffan of St. Louis, MO, husband, David, and sons, David, Noah, and Luke Rochelle (after his great grandpa); granddaughter, Jennifer Penny of St. Louis, MO; grandson, Luke Coffin of San Antonio, TX, wife, Courtney, and son, Gavin; granddaughter, April (Coffin) Maloney of Colorado Springs, CO, husband, Peter, and sons, Micah Robert (after Rochelle Robert) and Breckan; and grandson, Jesse Robert (after Rochelle Robert) Coffin of Boulder, CO and fiance, Amanda Mathews. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 at Heath Funeral Home. Funeral service will be Thursday at 3pm at Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. Phillip Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Luke Coffin (grandson), Jesse Coffin (grandson), David Steffan (grandson-in-law), Ryan Johnson (great grandson), Erik Wilhelm (grandson), Dutch Wilhelm (son-in-law), Barry Joiner (like a son, close friend), and Cody Joiner (like a grandson, close friend). Honorary pallbearers are Kyle Penny (grandson)and David Johnson (grandson-in-law). Memorial donations can be made to the Epsaba Cemetery Fund through First National Bank, as the cemetery held a special place in Rochelle's heart, or to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation, as Rochelle lost two children who had Myotonic Dystrophy.