Robert “Bob” Edgar Pennell, 94, of St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on June 10, 2025. He was born in Newton, Iowa, on December 2, 1930. He was a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be remembered for his intelligence, wit, and uncompromising integrity—not to mention his stories of a life well-lived. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Hubert and Ethel Pennell; his wife of 64 years, Phyllis Pennell; and his dear friend, Sally Seeger. 

He is survived by his children Richard Pennell, MD (Christine), Debra Palmer (Patrick), and Robert Pennell, Esq. (Anne); his grandchildren Zora Williams (LaTanya), Ryan Pennell (Liz), Jennifer Williams, Christopher Pennell, MD (Julie), PJ Palmer, Lauren Green ( Jordan), Kathryn Pennell, and Sarah Pennell; and his great-grandchildren, Kylie, Aaliyah, Tamara, Corinne, Jabhari, Bri, Elijah, Jack, Callan, Annesley, and Charlotte.  

After graduating from Iowa State University, Bob spent 35 years working for Monsanto in its Textiles Division. In so doing, he gave his family an incredible experience by living in Europe, where they traveled extensively. As a director at Monsanto, he traveled to China and Brazil as an adviser to U.S. officials negotiating trade deals. After Monsanto, he operated British-American Forfaiting, facilitating financing for foreign entities to purchase commercial equipment manufactured in the U.S. Bob had few hobbies aside from music, reading, and playing golf, where he was finally able to hit the ball clear out of sight—his sight, anyway, as it was failing. He also served as a councilman for the city of Creve Coeur and a Court Appointed Special Advocate for the Family Court of St. Louis County.

Bob donated his body to science, so there will not be any visitation or service. However, a celebration of life will be arranged in the latter part of August. Having watched Bob suffer over the course of his last several weeks, please consider donating to Compassion & Choices | End-of-Life Resources in lieu of flowers to help provide end-of-life options for those choosing to seek them.