Pankey, Harold
d. June 11, 2014
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.
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Posted June 13th, 2014 at 1:05 pm
Mary and family, My sincere condolences to you all. Harold was a Hero to many of us Veterans. He was a wonderful man, soldier and friend. Harold and Mary were some of the first folks to reach out to me when I moved here. Their kindness will never be forgotten! May God comfort you during this difficult time. If I can help in anyway, please call me. Much love, DeAnna
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 4:02 pm
Gene, We are so sorry to hear the news of your father. I have heard you speak of him many times, I know You loved him very much.
Hope to see you soon.
Joanne & Tom
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 5:20 pm
Sorry to hear about your Dad passing Gene. God Bless you and your family. Your friend, Rich Coe.
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 5:48 pm
Mary, Jean, Larry, Donnie and Deanne,
Please know that all our thoughts and prayers are with you. We love you all.
Debbie (Stahl) and Dale Rice
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 6:28 pm
Gene, i know you said your dad was having a hard time the last time i talked to you but it is never easy when the time comes. Take care of your family as well as yourself; sorry. ‘Butch’
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 7:22 pm
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Dean and Sandy Cuffle
Posted June 13th, 2014 at 11:37 pm
Dear Gene, Mrs. Pankey and the Pankey Family,
My deepest condolences on the passing of your loved one, Harold. He was a true American and one of that Greatest Generation that we so much hate to be losing! Gene has spoken of him often. I pray that your belief that he is in Heaven with our Lord will carry you through this tough time. My apologies for not being able to attend services, but we are in Wisconsin with the Grandkids.
Most Sincerely, Bob & Maureen Best
Posted June 19th, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Our prayers are with all the family. We were out of town and returned to learn of the sad news. May the family be comforted in knowing that Mr. Pankey is in Heaven and with others who have gone before. Mr. Pankey and Pam’s Dad, also deceased, had D Day, Normandy, and much more, in common, as they both were survivors of that horrendous yet Nobel event in our Nation’s History. God bless and be with all the Pankey family during this difficult time. Sincerely, Dale & Pam Shanholtzer
Posted June 23rd, 2014 at 1:14 pm
Larry and Diane and family, I was out of town when I learned of your father’s passing. I know how special he was to you and that he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of your family.
Maureen