Joseph Daniel "Joe" Penn

Graveside services for Joseph Daniel “Joe” Penn, 84, of Lufkin will be held Monday, July 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at Largent Cemetery with Reagan McClenny officiating. A visitation will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday evening at Timberland Drive church of Christ, with a Memorial and Song Service beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Joseph Daniel “Joe” Penn was born May 1, 1942 in Lufkin, Texas, and passed onto his final reward Thursday, July 2, 2026 in Lufkin, Texas, surrounded by those who loved him. Joe died the same way he lived: honorably, peacefully, humbly and with great faith and hope.

Joe attended Hudson ISD, Sam Houston State University and Texas Tech University and later worked for Texas Metal Casting, Hudson High School and Lufkin Industries.

Joe Penn loved the Lord. He was a faithful member of the Timberland Drive church of Christ for 75 years and served there as an elder, deacon and teacher. From a young age, he purposed in his heart to build his house on the Rock and when the rains fell and the winds blew, his house stood firm. His legacy of faithful service to God has endured now for two generations, having raised Christian children who have also raised Christian children.

Joe Penn knew the value of hard work. There was rarely a time when he wasn’t working on a project, planning a project or talking about a project. He taught his children to work hard and the work of his hands provided a place of joy and peace for he and his family. He firmly believed and taught there weren’t many situations that couldn’t be improved through service to others.

Joe Penn had an ornery streak that endeared people to him even when he was joking at their expense. It was always done out of love, always done with a twinkle in his eye and slight smirk in his smile, but it was certainly always done. Even when his mind and memory began to fail him, his sense of humor was ever present. To be teased by Joe Penn was to know he loved you.

Joe is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sandy (Rouse) Penn; daughter, Michele and husband John Zumwalt of Folsom, California; sons Deck and wife Shannon Penn of Lindale, Texas, Jim and wife Tyra Penn of Garland, Texas, and Pat and wife Cassie Penn of Hudson, Texas; granddaughters, Sarah and Katie Zumwalt and Mary, Kylie and Ruthie Penn; grandsons, Joseph and wife Hannah, Sam, John, Tate, Seth, Daniel and Jacob Penn; brothers, Mike and wife Fern Penn of Hudson and Billy and wife Linda Penn of Dallas; and sister-in-law, Nancy Penn of Sulphur Springs, Texas.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Ruth Penn; brother, Clifford Penn; sister-in-law, Janice Penn; and great-nephew, Luke Slatter.

Pallbearers will be Joseph Penn, Sam Penn, Tate Penn, Daniel Penn, Jacob Penn, John Penn, and Seth Penn.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Ruth Penn or Luke Slatter Memorial Scholarships through Hudson ISD, 6735 Ted Trout Drive, Lufkin, Texas 75904, or The Joseph House, P.O. Box 150554, Lufkin, Texas 75915.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.