David Ray Pennington

David Ray Pennington passed away, with his wife of 56 years, Cathy Pennington, by his side on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 after a three-year battle with prostate cancer. He was born on June 3rd, 1945 to Ray and Lillian Pennington from Ellensburg, WA. David was known as an avid outdoorsman, community leader and for his faith.

David’s childhood was spent on the family farm in Ellensburg. He graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1963. He joined the United States Navy in 1965 and was stationed at Mare Island Naval Base in northern California. It was while stationed there, that he met Cathy Louise Williams on a blind date on New Years’ Eve 1967. They quickly fell in love and were married on August 31st, 1968. David was the father to three children, Brent, born in 1969 and twins, Ryan and Melissa, born in 1973. His career was spent working in the laboratory at Memorial Hospital first as a technician and then as the manager of the lab. In total, he spent 38years at Memorial where he developed lasting friendships and a reputation as an excellent leader.

David’s life centered around his family and his faith. He was a loving and supportive father and husband. He was a member at Wesley United Methodist church for many years before moving to West Valley Church of the Nazarene where he was a member for the remainder of his life. He served as a church leader on leadership councils and as a mission leader taking 7 trips to Guatemala to perform medical missions in underserved communities.

David loved the outdoors, spending countless days hunting, fishing and hiking all across the Northwest. He assumed leadership roles in the Boy Scouts of America leading many camping trips, community service events and a trip to Philmont, New Mexico for a large gathering of Boy Scouts from across America.

David’s legacy is carried on by his wife, Cathy; his son, Brent, his wife Amy and their children Myka and Graeme; his daughter Melissa, her husband Dean and their children Jenna and Dominic; his daughter-in-law Tanisia and her children Mikaela and Riley; his sister Joann; his father-in-law Arthur Williams and Cathy’s siblings JoAnn, Joan and Howard as well cousins, nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends.

The entire family is comforted by the knowledge that David is now reunited with his son, Ryan, who passed away earlier this year.

Memorial Services will be held at West Valley Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024 at 1:00 pm.