John S. Penrod

John S. Penrod, 86, of Berrien Center, passed away at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Michigan on Saturday, September 19, 2015.   In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place.  Memorial donations may be made to the Donor’s choice.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Clark Chapel and Cremation Services. Those wishing to leave a memory or condolence of John online may do so at www.clarkch.com. John was born September 5, 1929 in Broughton, Ohio to Theo and Erdie (Decker) Penrod. He received his diploma from Mount Vernon Academy in Columbus, Ohio. In 1953, John married the former Alice M. Sneathern in Benton Harbor, Michigan.  John was an avid photographer and he loved taking pictures of nature. John took the two things in life that he enjoyed the most and made lifelong careers out of them.  He started the Penrod/Hiawatha Souvenir Company in 1958. Many of his photos were used in the calendars and post cards that they produced.  John was also a commercial fisherman in the Florida Keys. Not many people can say that they earned a living doing what they loved the most.  John belonged to the Twin City Camera Club. John is survived by his four sons John “Samuel” Penrod Jr. of Mobile, Alabama, David (Shannon) Burke of Berrien Springs, Michigan, Danny (Ellen) Penrod of Niles, Michigan and Michael Penrod of Berrien Center, Michigan.; seven grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren; along with one sister. John was preceded in death by his wife Alice and 4 sisters