Douglas Lyle Pennington of Portage, IN

Born February 17th 1965

Died December 25th 2020

Survived by daughter, Arielle Pennington (Michael Tribby) of Los Angeles, CA; daughter Alexis Pennington (Alex Utley); son John Pennington, all of Portage, IN; Grandchildren Isabelle and Karsin Pennington of Los Angeles, CA.

Mother Mable Pennington of Portage, IN; siblings Deborah (Stephen) Smolinski of Hamlet, IN; David (Anne) Pennington of Portage, IN; Diane (Jeffrey) Sandberg of Kouts, IN; Denise Pennington of Westville, IN; Daniel (Irma) Pennington of Chesterton, IN; also survived by many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by father John Dale Pennington.

Gone way too soon at 55 years young. Our Dad, Doug, graduated in 1983 from Portage High School with the passion for building trades. He was an absolute artist, talented as all hell, inspiring designer and builder. He was intelligent and strong, he had the most beautiful blue eyes - you couldn't help but look at. His hands were the perfect combination of rough and comforting, showing all the years of hard work. He had the best raspy laugh, a unique sense of humor and his rosey cheeks were a pleasure to look at.

Doug was always and will forever be a Momma's boy. In 1990, just three days after his 25th birthday he was forever blessed with his first born, his baby girl, Arielle Lavonne - mini Doug. In 2001, at the age of 36, he brought his second baby girl into the world, Alexis Marie, we were blessed as all get out, another Daddy's girl. In 2002, at the age of 37, he brought his one and only son, John Douglas, into our lives - he was so excited to have a baby boy! Doug was blessed with his first grandbaby, Isabelle Renae, in 2011 and his second grandbaby, Karsin Douglas, in 2012. He was proud of all of his babies (including Nova and Zuko)... he was notorious for talking everyone's ears off about all of their accomplishments and how much he loved them with every beat of his heart. Each one of his babies walked around with a tool belt and hammer by the age of 2. Spoiled them all with his famous back scratches. He taught all five of his babies how to headbang and play the air guitar to the best of the best, AC/DC and Led Zeppelin. Doug was his children's biggest fan and cheerleader… every single cross country meet, every track or basketball game, every football game, every baseball game, every cheer competition, and every tennis match... he was there, cheering his children on yelling "THAT'S MY BABY" . He was more than a Dad and he will always be our Hero, our Father, and our Papa. He was so proud of his children and grandbabies… always reminding them how much he loved them "MORE"! Always reassuring them "YOU DA BOMB" and "you're all that and a bag of chips" . He taught his children the art of surprises and pinky promises, which will always be cherished and carried on. Doug had the biggest heart made of gold and the most comforting of hugs. Nothing will ever compare to the raw and realest love he shared with the ones he loved the most, this love will forever be within. He had the greatest group of friends who truly loved and appreciated his one of a kind friendship. He loved to dance and rant about politics. In the most recent years he was working with a dear friend in his body shop, which ultimately reminded him of his father, John Dale, as he too was in the body shop field… The joy he experienced from this friendship brought so much happiness to his life which we are forever grateful for. The world could always depend on Doug to tell it like it is and no matter the situation whether they wanted to hear it or not, he would just remind them "...it builds character" . Doug sacrificed unselfishly to keep his children fed and a roof over their head - he wasn't picky and didn't need much more than his work boots and their love. He was the master of rolling with it and figuring it out, whatever it was. He learned to braid his daughters' hair and never passed up the opportunity to play football with his son's friends… he could out run them all with his powerful calves. He mentored many apprentices and whether they could keep up or not, he taught them so many skills about carpentry and life that will forever be remembered. He was a protector to all in his life, the things he would do for you… were unlimited, he created a safe place for many and he was a father figure to more than just his own and a brother to so many. He was our best friend, our foundation, and the man we called Dad. What we would do to have one more hug, one more smooch… cheers to you Dad.

Dad, Papa, we LOVE YOU MORE!

"DID YOU HEAR ME?"

Love,

Air, Lex, John, Izzy, and Karsin

"WOOOOOO!"

A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2021 from 4-6 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave. Portage, IN 46368.  Due to Porter County COVID-19 restrictions, the visitation will be restricted to 25 people in the building at one time. Memorial service will be private.  For more information, please call 219-762-3013.  Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .