Obituary of Robert Wayne Pennington

Robert Wayne Pennington, 63, flew home to God’s celestial shore Thursday, April 2, 2026. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25th, 2026 from 11am-1pm, at the UA Local 100 in Mesquite, TX, where his loved ones will share memories and a meal and celebrate his life and what would have been his 64th birthday. 

Endearingly known by many who worked alongside him as Rabid, Robert was a beloved husband, father, teacher, mentor, friend, son, and baby brother. He was born the baby of 7 children on April 24th 1962, in Marshall TX, to Paul D Pennington Sr. and Sallie Jones Pennington. In 1984, he met Ronda Tindall, and he knew at once he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. They were married on July 5th, 1985 and they had two children: a son, Ruston Wayne, in 1990, and a daughter, Rhyan Micayla, in 1994.

He was a talented welder for United Association Local 100, in Mesquite, TX, where he worked for 28 years. During this time he traveled all over the United States before coming back home to Texas where he taught and mentored many in the field and judged lots of BBQ.

Behind he leaves the legacy as a man of few words who had a surprisingly impressive vocabulary and an unshakable work ethic, and who was unafraid to express his love for those he cared for. He loved aviation, animals, and music and he instilled his love of music in his two children, something he took great pride in.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul D Pennington Sr. and Sallie Jones Pennington, two sisters Diana Bailey and Mary Elaine Nichols (Mare’lane), and his only brother, Paul Pennington Jr. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 40 years, Ronda Tindall Pennington, his son, Ruston Pennington and wife Amanda, daughter Rhyan Malone, five precious grandbabies, Evryn, Mila, Aslan, Mallory, and Miles, three sisters, Paula Kubecka and husband Dennis, Peggy McCarty and husband Royce, Nancy Younger and husband Gene, and many nieces, nephews, and students.

In lieu of flowers his family asks that you give to the Local 100 benevolence fund in his honor to help the Union Brothers and Sisters he leaves behind in times of need. To make donations to the Local 100 Benevolence Fund contact Joanna at 214-341-8606”