Wayne H. Pennypacker
April 14, 1920 ~ October 20, 2013
Wayne H. Pennypacker, (93), CWO, USAF, (Ret.)
Wayne Herbert Pennypacker, known to his friends as "Penny," born April 14, 1920, died at home in Vienna, Virginia, following a brief illness on Sunday, October 20, 2013 in the company of loved ones. Blessed with a sharp mind and an unfailing sense of humor, he lived to be 93 years strong. Wayne was an intelligent, humble, fun person who had the gift of connecting with people at all levels. He loved his family, his many friends, the military, sailing, and football. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wayne attended Overbrook High School and had a summer job working on the SS Gatun, a banana boat that operated between the Caribbean, Central America, and Philadelphia. After high school, he attended Drexel Institute of Technology for Business, and then enlisted in the Army on November 4, 1940.
Wayne worked as a Meteorologist for the Army Air Corps. In World War II, he was
the Warrant Officer in charge of the weather station at Bovingdon Airfield outside London, England, where he forecasted weather for reconnaissance andbombing missions over France and Germany. He was selected for and completedspecial training in Advanced Weather at the School in Chanute AFB in Illinois and was supposed to go to the Pacific, but the war ended. After working briefly for Capital Airlines, Wayne was recruited by the Commander for the ForecastCenter for the USAF at the Pentagon. It was at the Pentagon, he met a secretary, Opal Marian Bueide, who would soon become the love of his life. On December 31, 1946 at the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, they began a 66-year marriage full of devotion, joy, and adventures. His military careertook him to forecast centers in Washington, DC; Korea; Tokyo, Japan; and Riverside, California. Wayne was selected to be a weather forecaster for nuclear weapon tests in the Central Pacific (Bikini Atoll). His last active duty was at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska where he worked in a classified environment. He rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer W4 and retired in 1961 to Vienna, Virginia.
During retirement, he and Opal enjoyed sailing, traveling, and hosting the many friends and family who visited them. Wayne was predeceased by his parents Herbert Deweez Pennypacker and Marion Armstrong Pennypacker, and his sisterMuriel Pennypacker who died in childhood of diphtheria. He is survived by his beloved wife Opal, as well as family, friends, and neighbors. He left us with memories of many laughs and many words of wisdom. Opal would like to thank the many hospice and health care professionals who helped Wayne through hisfinal days. His chapel service and ceremony will be held at ArlingtonNational Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences and fond memories are available at www.moneyandking.com.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Wayne Herbert Pennypacker, known to his friends as "Penny," born April 14, 1920, died at home in Vienna, Virginia, following a brief illness on Sunday, October 20, 2013 in the company of loved ones. Blessed with a sharp mind and an unfailing sense of humor, he lived to be 93 years strong. Wayne was an intelligent, humble, fun person who had the gift of connecting with people at all levels. He loved his family, his many friends, the military, sailing, and football. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Wayne attended Overbrook High School and had a summer job working on the SS Gatun, a banana boat that operated between the Caribbean, Central America, and Philadelphia. After high school, he attended Drexel Institute of Technology for Business, and then enlisted in the Army on November 4, 1940.
Wayne worked as a Meteorologist for the Army Air Corps. In World War II, he was
the Warrant Officer in charge of the weather station at Bovingdon Airfield outside London, England, where he forecasted weather for reconnaissance andbombing missions over France and Germany. He was selected for and completedspecial training in Advanced Weather at the School in Chanute AFB in Illinois and was supposed to go to the Pacific, but the war ended. After working briefly for Capital Airlines, Wayne was recruited by the Commander for the ForecastCenter for the USAF at the Pentagon. It was at the Pentagon, he met a secretary, Opal Marian Bueide, who would soon become the love of his life. On December 31, 1946 at the Pontoppidan Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND, they began a 66-year marriage full of devotion, joy, and adventures. His military careertook him to forecast centers in Washington, DC; Korea; Tokyo, Japan; and Riverside, California. Wayne was selected to be a weather forecaster for nuclear weapon tests in the Central Pacific (Bikini Atoll). His last active duty was at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska where he worked in a classified environment. He rose to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer W4 and retired in 1961 to Vienna, Virginia.
During retirement, he and Opal enjoyed sailing, traveling, and hosting the many friends and family who visited them. Wayne was predeceased by his parents Herbert Deweez Pennypacker and Marion Armstrong Pennypacker, and his sisterMuriel Pennypacker who died in childhood of diphtheria. He is survived by his beloved wife Opal, as well as family, friends, and neighbors. He left us with memories of many laughs and many words of wisdom. Opal would like to thank the many hospice and health care professionals who helped Wayne through hisfinal days. His chapel service and ceremony will be held at ArlingtonNational Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences and fond memories are available at www.moneyandking.com.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Dear Opal, we are thinking of you in your loss of dear “Penny”. He was always such a character, and you both were so much fun to be with, and a model for us as young couples. May he rest in peace. Love, Robert and Mary
Dearest Opal, We are sorry to lose your sweetheart and our wonderful friend, Penny. We will always remember his humor and warmth. Love and Hugs, Tres and Ellen
It was such a pleasure to visit Wayne and Opal at their home…albeit short visits for I was one of many Meals On Wheels volunteers. I did learn so much about their amazing love affair and one could still witness their strong bond. Wayne reminded us all how important humor is for the soul. I will miss your teasing and compliments…RIP
My condolences to the family. Continue to rely on God during this difficult time and know that he hears your prayers: Isaiah 59:1.