Talman “Ray” Peninger, 83, stepped into the arms of his Lord and Savior at 6:33 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at Marion General Hospital. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lorine (Dodson) Peninger; brother, Kenneth; sister, Wanda (Peninger) Parrish; and grandmother, Ada Dodson, who raised him.
In 1958, Ray married the love of his life, Greta Jean Coffelt, who survives. He graduated from Black Rock High School, Arkansas. He served in Germany, where he graduated from Lenggries Germany Cook School. He also graduated from Fairmount Auctioneering School.
His second birth day was September 6, 1981, when he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. Ray was a charter member of Friendship Baptist Church and was ordained as a deacon in 1985. He served in nursing home ministry for 25 years and was actively involved in the sheriff’s chaplaincy program. Ray retired from Foster-Forbes after 35 years. He then worked as a tech service rep for Saint Gobain until his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Ray than permanently retired to care for her.
His passion in life was to pass out God’s Word. One of his closest friends labeled him the Bible man. When the Gideons could no longer distribute Bibles in the schools, he went to 1812 and realized school children were coming to the event by the bus loads. He, Don Rennaker, and Tom Kratzer got the ball rolling for the Gideons to distribute Bibles at 1812. To date, over 128,643 Bibles have been distributed during 1812. Bibles have also been distributed to hotels, motels, nursing homes, jails, 4-H fair, women’s shelters, and rescue missions.
Survivors include daughters, Connie (Dave) Bossard, Minnesota, Michelle Kuhl (their live-in caregiver); granddaughter, Abbie (John) Atkins, Minnesota; great-granddaughter, Lily Atkins, Minnesota; nephew, Steve (Ellen) Parrish; niece, Lori (Gilbert) Patterson, Arkansas; and faithful companions, Caleb (mini Aussie) and Gideon (Yorkie).
The family will receive visitors from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, June 14, 2017, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion.
Ray’s funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Bruce Koontz officiating. Burial will follow at Gardens of Memory.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Gideons International, P.O. Box 3132, Marion, IN 46953 or Friendship Baptist Church, 214 E. 11th St., Marion, IN 46953.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.