Kevin Ray Penner, 72, of Whitmore Lake, Michigan, passed away peacefully in his sleep on the early morning of December 28, 2025, at his winter home in St. Cloud, FL. He was well-loved by family and friends across the country.

Kevin was born September 20, 1953 in Goody, Kentucky on the West Virginia border and grew up in Delbarton, West Virginia, running the hills and shooting the squirrels. His father Michael was a golden gloves boxing coach and his mother, Veneita Faye (Curry) worked for local government. Both parents preceded him in death. Kevin's older brother David was his idol and when David went off to the Navy, Kevin loved sneaking out in the car he left behind.

Kevin moved with his mother to the Detroit, Michigan area in his early teens and graduated from Milford High School in 1971. He was involved in many sports and met his lifelong friend, Kevin Wadsworth, during this time. The two Kevins remain friends close for over 55 years.

In 1981 Kevin married Cheryl Thronson and together they raised her 4 daughters and his son. They moved to Florida in 1986, where they owned a commercial and residential painting company for 30 years and used child labor provided by their 5 kids as they taught them discipline, hard work and tried to keep them out of trouble. Son Jeremy has continued in the family trade.

After an amicable divorce in 2003, Kevin returned to Michigan with his mother and cared for her until she passed. He met Leah Brewer in 2007 and they were married in August of 2011. Leah was able to be a caregiver during Kevin's final months and was lying by his side as he left this earth.

Kevin is survived by his wife Leah, his brother David Penner (Tammy), his children Deseri Norton (Jimmy), Deanna Maples (Tim), Tiffany Delano, Jeremy Penner (Bobbie), Darcy Kersey (Dirk). He is blessed with 17 grandchildren: Cadie, Cierra, Devon, Amber, Garret, Allie, Erik, Ethan, Maximus, Jacob, Carson, Deseree, J.J., Raelynn, Lance, Elijah and Kerynne. He has 9 great-grandchildren, Joselyn, Cyrus, Bellamy, E.J., Amelia, JaKai, Liam, Lainey and #9 born on December 10, Eloise.

He also counts Leah's grandchildren as his own: Toby, Olivia, Colin, Kate and Emily. Over the years, he enjoyed many adventures with them fishing, boating, shooting, Harley rides, camping and traveling. He loved his dogs, Rudy and Turbo, Pepper and Ollie.

Kevin is known for his humor, his compassion, his stories…and more stories… and his love of family. Kevin did not know a stranger; he talked to everyone as if they were life-long friends. Kevin trusted Christ as his Savior at a young age and reaffirmed that commitment as an adult. He was active in Grace Baptist Church in Livonia, Michigan and supported many ministries and missionaries around the world spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. His dying wish was to see his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends accept Christ so he may see them again in heaven.

Funeral services will be held in Florida and Michigan:

Wednesday, 12/31/2025 at 11 a.m. at Eastern Avenue Baptist Church in St. Cloud, Florida with a luncheon to follow. Family and friends are encouraged to share sweet memories of Kevin during the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eastern Avenue Baptist Church in honor of Kevin Penner, to support their Seedline ministry, distributing the gospel in over 25 languages throughout the world.

Saturday, 1/3/2026 at 11 a.m. at Grace Baptist Church in Livonia, Michigan, with a luncheon to follow. Family and friends are encouraged to share sweet memories of Kevin during the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Baptist Church of Livonia or Hope Baptist Church of Romulus in honor of Kevin Penner, to support their ministries.