Richard Hardy Penna, 71, of Springfield, MO passed away Monday, October 23, 2023. He was born on April 3, 1952, to C. Nicholas and Mary Penna in Queens, NY.

He attended Paul Smith College within the Adirondack State Park, where he earned his Associate's Degree in Forestry. He then went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Ecology and Environmental Science at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. It was during this time that he met the woman that would become the love of his life, Karen Sue Mallow. The two were married in 1976 and in they welcomed their son, Nick into the world in 1978.

Richard was employed by the USDA Forest Services for 34 years. He loved to be active outdoors and was meticulous about his lawn and flower beds. He was an incredibly generous and caring man, although he could also be stubborn and ornery.  He loved animals, was a great storyteller and loved all genres of movies, a past time that he passed down to his son.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, C. Nicholas Penna and Mary Keeny Penna.

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 47 years, Karen Sue Penna; son, Nick (Sarah) Penna; grandson, Richard Clayton Penna; granddaughter, Nickole Marie Penna; great grandsons, Carmine Mark Ray Penna and Ira Lee Nicholas Penna; siblings, William John (Denise) Penna of Las Vegas, NV, Catherine Ann Penna of Oakdale, NY, and David Vincent Penna of Griffin, GA; and his bonus daughter, Tasha Marie Penna.

A Celebration of life for Richard will be December 2, 2023, 11 am at Pythian Ave Baptist Church, 1001 N Rogers Ave, Springfield Mo 65802. Lunch following after service in fellowship hall.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Home Services of Springfield, MO.