Pankey, Harold

Harold H. Pankey, age 91 of Elkhart, passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 at his home.

He is survived by wife, Mary Louise; children, Gene (Joan) Pankey, Larry (Diane) Pankey, Donald (Stephania) Pankey, and Deanne (David) Barker; siblings, Ruth (Fritz) Werkman, Gladys Guinn, and Nancy Pankey; twelve grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his siblings, Eugene, Inez, Imo, Harland, Edna Maude, and Donald.

He was born on December 30, 1922 in Elkhart, Illinois the son of Eugene and Nancy Jane (Merritt) Pankey.

Harold married Mary Louise Baugher on November 11, 1945 in Fancy Prairie at Mary’s mother’s home by Rev. Bryan Miller.

Harold proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII. Harold was in the 1st Division and was a D Day survivor. He landed on Omaha Beach at Normandy. He returned to Normandy with his wife Mary, on the 50th anniversary of D Day and reunited with a group of other surviving veterans.

He attended Elkhart High School. Harold was a member of the American Legion 616, VFW, WW II Illinois Veterans Memorial Board, and Elkhart United Methodist Church.

Visitation will be held on Sunday June 15, 2014 at Mott and Henning in Athens, from 2:00 until 4:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held at Elkhart United Methodist Church in Elkhart at 11:00 AM Monday June 16, 2014.

Rev. Paul Wehner will be officiating.

Burial will be held at Elkhart Cemetery with military honors.

Memorials can be made to the WW II Illinois Veterans Memorial Board, Elkhart United Methodist Church or Elkhart United Methodist Church Women.