Joseph Warren Pennington; Honored WWII Vet

Joseph Warren Pennington, a Port Hueneme resident who received a letter of commendation for helping save 19 shipmates while serving in the Navy during World War II, died April 4. He was 79.

Pennington was born March 18, 1918, in Gatesville, Texas. When he was 5, his family moved to California. He served four years in the Navy during the war, mostly in the Pacific. While on watch during a typhoon that sank several ships, he heard cries for help and alerted rescuers that 19 of his shipmates had been swept out to sea.

After leaving the Navy, Pennington became a licensed barber, managed several bars and owned the Club House in Inglewood. Following his retirement in 1980, Pennington discovered a gift for woodworking. He filled his house with his creations, including a dining room table and chairs, hutch, bedroom set, armoire and end tables. He also began painting portraits and was an avid fan of midget auto racing.

Pennington had a soft heart for animals, adopting numerous stray cats. When one of the adopted cats could not live in the house because it didn’t get along with the family cats, Pennington built a small outdoor house for the animal.

“He was the greatest person who ever lived,” said his wife, Helen Pennington. “I know everyone should feel that way about their husband or wife, but he was so very special.”

In addition to his wife, Pennington is survived by his stepson, Alan W. Percy of Boise, Idaho, three nieces and numerous great- and great-great grand-nieces and -nephews.

No services will be held. Contributions may be made to the Humane Society, 401 Bryant St., Ojai, 93020.