Edward Penhallegon

Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home is handling arrangements.He was born October 4, 1918 in Decatur, the son of Everett Brown Penhallegon and Helen England Penhallegon. He graduated from Decatur High School and attended Duke University for three years but enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps in April of 1941. He earned his aviator's wings at Randolph Field in San Antonio, Texas. He was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant at Kelly field, also in San Antonio. During his military career, he flew many types of aircraft, including the P-39 Aeracobra, P-40 Warhawk, B-25 Mitchell, A-20 Havoc, P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang. He was selected to attend the Command and General Staff School and the AAF School of Applied Tactics. During one period, he served as the commander of the Rhode Island National guard. Toward the end of the war with Japan, he commanded the 414th Fighter Group (three squadrons consisting ofP-47s and a few P-51s) flying from the north field on Iwo Jima.The 414th flew VLR (very long range) missions escorting B-29 bombers to Japan and strafing land and sea based Japanese targets. He flew missions in P-47s and one in a P-51. After Japan's surrender, he served as part of the U.S. occupying force in Tokyo. He separated from the Army in March 1946 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Upon returning to civilian life, he learned the farming business from his grandfather, Charles E. England, and farmed his family's land in the Warrensburg area for many years. He was a director of the First National Bank of Decatur, First Tech, Inc. and Purity Baking Company. He was a former president of the Macon County Farm Bureau. He was a member of Rotary, The Decatur Club, and the Country Club of Decatur. He was an avid golfer, having been the runner-up in the championship flight at the Country Club of Decatur on three separate occasions. He married Barbara Ann Patton in August 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents. Surviving are his wife, Barbara, his children, William E. Penhallegon (Peach) of Decatur, Barbara L. McKay (Tom) of Decatur, G. Patton Penhallegon ofMt. Zion, grandchildren, Eric E. Penhallegon (Kate) of Chesterfield, Missouri, Stephen P. Penhallegon (Julie) of Forsyth, Thomas Mckay of Decatur, Patton C. Penhallegon of Huntington Beach, California, five great grandchildren, and special family member, Katherine Spencer. The family would like to express appreciation to the many caregivers who tended to Pen's needs during his short illness: Nancy Hocker, Cheryl Lahniers, Melody Bowrey, Kim Bowers and Diana Forden. Special thanks to DMH Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Decatur, DMH Hospice or donor's choice. Condolences may be left to the family at www.brintlingerandearl.com. "
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