Col. John William "Bill" Penny (Retired, USAF)

Col. John William "Bill" Penny (Retired, USAF), 86, went to be with his heavenly Father on December 21, 2025. Bill, a resident of Lafayette, was born in Alexandria, Louisiana, on April 14, 1939. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Otis Penny and Azile Antoinette Hathorn Penny; and brother, Dr. Carl Otis "Copper" Penny. He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Carolyn Bezard Penny; children, John William "Jay" Penny Jr., James Wesley (Rebekah) Penny, Michael Hall (Stacey) Penny, and Leah M. Penny; grandchildren, Colin, Jack, Alexandra, Emily, Lauren (Nathan), Jake (Anna), and Julia (Trey); great-grandchildren, Oakley, Bentleigh, and Wylder; siblings, Kathleen P. (Don) Robinson and Dr. Michael K. (Gwen) Penny; and numerous cousins, nieces & nephews, and his dog, Tootsie. Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from Louisiana State University in 1961, and upon graduation he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Reserve Officer Training Corps for the United States Air Force. He went on to earn two Master’s degrees, one in Education Psychology in 1972, and one in Hospital Administration in 1994. Throughout his military career, Bill completed numerous training certifications: Squadron Officer School, Air Command and Staff College, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, and Air War College. His focus was in Communications-Electronics. After graduating from the Communications-Electronics Officer Course at Keesler AFB (Mississippi, 1962), he was assigned to the 1961st Communications Group, Clark AFB, Philippines as an AIRCOM Maintenance Officer. In January 1965, he was reassigned to the 1st Aerospace Communications Group, Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB (Nebraska) where he served as a Controller in the “Looking Glass” command post. Following the Communications Officer Staff Course at Keesler AFB in 1968, he was assigned as Joint Staff Communications Officer aboard the US Commander in the Chief European Command (RAF Mildenhall, UK). In 1973, he was appointed as Executive Officer to the Director of Communications, Strategic Air Command, Offutt AFB (Nebraska). He then commanded the 1908th Communications Squadron, England AFB (Alexandria, LA) from 1976 to 1978. Bill was then assigned as Chief, in the Palace Communications and Resource Management Team, and later as Chief, Scientific and Technical Officer, Management Section 1981 at Randolph AFB (Texas) until 1981. Following completion of Air War College, Maxwell AFB (Alabama), he assumed command of the 2006th Communications Group (Incirlik, Turkey) from 1982 to 1984. The following year, he was appointed Commander of the 1st Combat Information Systems Group, Lindsay Air Station (Germany), which led to his appointment as Vice Commander of the Pacific Communications Division, and as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Headquarters Pacific Air Forces at Hickham AFB (Hawaii), 1985 to 1987. He became Commander of the Defense Commercial Communications Office (DECCO) at Scott AFB (Illinois) in 1987, before his last assignment as Commander of the 3390th Technical Training Group at Keesler AFB (Mississippi), beginning and ending his 30-year career at the same base. Bill’s awards and decorations include: Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with four Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Outstanding Unit Award with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Readiness Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Longevity Ribbon with five Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon. He was also awarded the Senior Officer Aircrew Wings, with 3,650 flying hours, and the Missile Badge. Bill was an avid LSU fan. He traveled the world throughout his career. He was loved by all who knew him – his fellow officers, and those who served with him. Wherever he was assigned, he was heavily involved in his church and community. He was a Bible scholar and retired as Deacon Emeritus from First Baptist Lafayette where he sang in the choir and was an active member of Men of Mercy. He served on the Board of the Salvation Army of Lafayette, and was twice elected Kiwanian of the Year. Bill was most devoted to his best friend, his wife of 65 years, Carolyn. Their family remained the center of his life. Despite his many accolades, Bill was most proud of his relationship with the Lord. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, December 29, 2025 in Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Delhomme Funeral Home - Bertrand on Sunday, December 28, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visiting hours will continue on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 8:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery in Pineville, LA, with full military honors, at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project. Personal condolences may be sent to the family of Col. John William "Bill" Penny (Retired, USAF) at: www.delhommefuneralhome.com

Col. John William "Bill" Penny (Retired, USAF)

April 14, 1939 - December 21, 2025