Stephen Earl Pennington

Stephen Earl Pennington passed away on June 25, 2024 in Coos Bay. He was born to Earl and Lyle Pennington in Corvallis Oregon on Valentine’s Day 1940. He is preceded in death by wife Nancy and his brother Peter Douglas. He is survived by his son Glen Pennington, daughter-in-law Joanne and grandchildren Ben and Juliann, and nieces and nephews. As a child Steve’s family relocated to Coos Bay where he attended Eastside School and then graduated from Marshfield High School in 1958. Always active in sports, he played little league baseball on an undefeated team where he met his best friend for the next 74 years, Tom Jenkins. He played football on a state championship team at Marshfield and was a talented wrestler. Growing up he spent time working at George’s grocery and later helping his dad Earl at the family business, Penny’s Tackle Box. When not busy with school or work, he loved to go fishing.

Steve attended college at Linfield, where he was on the wrestling team, then attended Oregon State. He was drafted into the Army in 1960 and served as a military policeman in Germany for 3 years and after returning stateside he continued in the reserves until 1969. Steve returned to college after active duty, graduating from CS- Chico in 1965, where he married the love of his life, Nancy George. He then worked as a youth correctional officer in Butte and Sacramento Counties for the next 5 years.

Steve moved back to Coos County in 1970, the place he always proud to call home, for the next 54 years. Steve’s life can be summarized as always actively engaged in kids, community, and family. He was a school teacher in math, biology, and sciences at Millicoma Junior High and then Marshfield High School where he retired in 2000. He loved coaching sports and trained generations of kids in football, track, basketball, and wrestling. He developed creative programs in biology and fisheries that received national recognition. He is remembered by students and coworkers alike as someone who worked tirelessly for the betterment of others.

After retirement Steve did not slow down. He continued to coach high school athletics, was a volunteer and often leader in local organizations such as Coquille River STEP, Garden Valley Water association, Oregon Fish and Game, and the Coos County Rose Society chapter. Steve loved gardening and his collection of over 200 roses were cherished by many in the community. A life fully lived, a race ran well, he will be missed by all those who knew him. “Love your neighbor as thy self” epitomized Steve’s life. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Stephen Earl Pennington, please visit our floral store.