1981
Rusty
2025
Rusty L. Penwell
August 31, 1981 — October 27, 2025
Russell "Rusty" Penwell, of Chillicothe, Ohio, was born on August 31, 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee, and passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 5:40 p.m., surrounded by friends and family, following a brief and unexpected illness.
Rusty was a beloved husband, son, uncle, friend, and faithful servant of Christ. His life was a reflection of joy, humility, and unwavering faith. He loved deeply, laughed freely, and lived to serve. To know Rusty was to be seen, valued, and encouraged. He had a gift for bringing comfort in the hardest moments and laughter in the simplest ones. Whether he was behind a soundboard at church, sitting across from a friend over coffee, or cheering on someone's dream, Rusty made people feel like they mattered because to him, they truly did.
Raised in Bainbridge, Ohio, Rusty carried his small-town roots into every part of his life. His kindness, humor, and faith reflected the close-knit community that helped shape him.
Faith, Community, & Ministry
Rusty spent the last two decades faithfully serving in local churches, devoting his time, talents, and heart to ministry. He believed that faith wasn't something confined to a Sunday, it was something to be lived out every day through service, compassion, and love for others. For nearly five years, he served as youth pastor at Bainbridge United Methodist Church, guiding students in their faith journeys with the same humor, sincerity, and authenticity that defined his own walk with Christ. He believed deeply in investing in the next generation and was passionate about helping young people experience the transforming love of Jesus.
For the past six years, Rusty poured himself into Open Door Church in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he found friendship, purpose, and countless opportunities to serve. Whether he was running sound, mentoring new volunteers, or greeting people with a hug and a smile, he gave his all. Rusty worshiped unashamedly. Even when behind the soundboard, he could be seen singing at the top of his lungs, hands raised, fully immersed in praise. He believed worship wasn't a performance, it was a way of life, and he lived it wholeheartedly. His joy for worshiping the Lord was contagious. Rusty lived out Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." That joy became his signature and overflowed into every conversation, every Sunday morning hug, and every quiet act of service that often went unseen but never unnoticed.
Rusty was also active in the Chrysalis and Emmaus ministries, spiritual renewal movements designed to deepen the faith of both youth and adults. He served, sponsored, and directed multiple flights over the years, mentoring countless participants and embodying the servant-hearted spirit that these retreats inspire. A natural leader with a servant's heart, Rusty was never one to seek recognition. He simply showed up, week after week, with open hands and a full heart, ready to do whatever was needed for the sake of others and for the glory of God.
His heart for service extended beyond the church walls. Rusty worked as a social service worker with South Central Ohio Job and Family Services, where his compassion for children and families was lived out daily. It was more than a job to him; it was another way to live out his calling to care for others with kindness and faith.
That same spirit of service carried into his community. Rusty loved his hometown of Bainbridge, Ohio, where he and his grandmother, Betty "Gran" Blanton, shared a deep connection and joy in serving together. For many years, they helped organize the Fall Festival of Leaves, one of Bainbridge's most beloved annual traditions. The three-day event, filled with parades, music, a 5K run, and community gatherings, reflected the same fellowship and joy that Rusty brought wherever he went.
A Lifelong Love of Music and People
Rusty's love of music began early and never left him. A proud graduate of Paint Valley High School, he was in nearly every band the school offered, including marching, concert, jazz, and pep. He also competed in Solo and Ensemble events and was a member of the band that traveled to Canada during his senior year, where they won top honors. Rusty helped lead the Sunday worship service for the Paint Valley FCS Committee for several years, blending his love for music with his heart for ministry. He also performed in church Christmas plays and musicals from a young age.
After high school, Rusty continued to pursue his passion for music as a member of the Singing Men of Ohio, an ensemble within Ohio University's School of Music. The group, known for its motto Unitas per Harmonium (Unity through Harmony), combined professional musical training with service, fellowship, and community outreach. Rusty treasured his time with the ensemble, performing diverse choral works and traveling with the group to share music and joy with audiences near and far.
As a teenager, Rusty and his friends formed a band and played in school talent shows, where his humor, stage presence, and musical skill stood out. His passion for music continued long after college. He loved worship because it was more than sound, it was his way of connecting with others and expressing his faith.
Rusty's journey in Scouting began as a young Webelo Cub Scout in 1990, sparking what became a lifelong love of mentoring, serving, and adventure. He quickly developed a passion for camp life and leadership that would shape much of who he was. Rusty went on to earn his Pioneer and Trapper ranks in the Chief Logan Frontiersmen program and was awarded the prestigious Mountain Man Award in 2000.
He was also a proud Eagle Scout of Troop 1 from Bainbridge, Ohio. From 1998 to 2004, Rusty served as a staff member at Chief Logan Reservation, holding positions such as Handicraft Staffer, Handicraft Director, Trainer, and Program Director. Everybody knew Rusty by his boisterous voice, his excellent song-leading abilities, and his unforgettable "Dynamite Cheer." His spirit was magnetic, and a Rusty-led camp song could lift even the dampest of moods. He embodied what it meant to live with true Scout spirit — joyful, encouraging, and always ready to make someone smile.
He loved helping lead worship in the Chief Logan Reservation chapel, and one of the most common jokes among staff was that "everybody knows Rusty," a saying that captured how true it was that no one could meet him and not feel like his good friend within ten minutes. His time in Scouting, along with his involvement in baseball, youth group, and late-night card games, built friendships that lasted a lifetime. Friends remember his quick wit, his loyalty, and how he was always late for everything but still the first to show up when it truly mattered. And those who knew him well will smile to remember he always smelled good.
The Heart of a Friend
Rusty never met a stranger. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he just met, you were welcomed with a hug and probably a laugh. His friends often joked that "Rusty could talk to a doorknob," and somehow, even that doorknob would walk away feeling encouraged. His humor, compassion, and sincerity left an imprint on everyone he encountered.
Rusty's greatest strength was his authenticity. He didn't hide his struggles, he shared them, and in doing so, gave others permission to be real too. His humility and openness made him deeply relatable. He reminded people that faith isn't about perfection but about perseverance and grace.
He had a way of making time stand still. When Rusty was with you, he was with you. Conversations with him were unhurried, genuine, and full of laughter and wisdom. He had the rare gift of making every person feel important, loved, and necessary.
He was a listener, an encourager, a mentor, and the kind of friend who would drop everything to help you move a couch, fix a computer, or pray with you in the middle of the night. He lived his faith not just in words but through the way he loved people, consistently, patiently, and without condition.
Family & Legacy
Rusty's greatest treasure was his wife, Bobbie, the love of his life. They were married on September 22, 2012, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith and friendship. When their lives came together, so did their circles of friends, creating a wider family bound by love, laughter, and shared purpose. Together, they expanded their ability to serve, encourage, and make an even greater impact on everyone blessed to know them.
Although Rusty and Bobbie did not have children of their own, he cherished his role as "Uncle Russ." It was one of his favorite titles and one that so many kids proudly called him. From church youth and community kids to the children of family and friends, "Uncle Russ" showed up at concerts, ballgames, graduations, and weddings. He celebrated every milestone and made sure each child felt seen, supported, and deeply loved. His steady encouragement, humor, and presence shaped the lives of countless young people, and his impact will last for generations.
Though Rusty faced challenges early in life, he never allowed them to define him. Instead, they deepened his empathy and capacity to love others like family. He often said that love wasn't limited by blood, it was a choice you made every day. Many people came to see him as a son or brother because he loved so big and so freely.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Lynn (Park) Penwell; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Brandon and Aprille Park; his parents-in-law, Bob and Kitty Park; his beloved nephew, Asher Park; and his "bonus family" who affectionately called him "Uncle Russ," Caleb Shepherd, Rebecca Shepherd, Taylor Madison, Tucker Woods, Micah Strange, and Adalee Strange.
Rusty was preceded in death by his mother, Joy Gilliland, and his loving grandmother, Betty "Gran" Blanton, who had a profound influence on his life. Her love, guidance, and faith shaped much of who he became, and the bond they shared will remain an enduring part of his story.
A Service Honoring His Life and Legacy
A service honoring the life and legacy of Rusty is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Open Door Church, located at 3130 S. Bridge Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. Friends and family may call from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 3:00 p.m. under the direction of Haller Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Mark Pfeifer. Friends are invited to gather, honor the life of Rusty, and worship together with music, laughter, and gratitude for the Savior he served so faithfully.
In honor of Rusty, the family encourages everyone to love a little bigger, laugh a little louder, and serve someone today. His legacy will live on in every life he touched and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
For a life lived in faithful service, there could be no more fitting words than,
"Well done, my good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
Rusty was a beloved husband, son, uncle, friend, and faithful servant of Christ. His life was a reflection of joy, humility, and unwavering faith. He loved deeply, laughed freely, and lived to serve. To know Rusty was to be seen, valued, and encouraged. He had a gift for bringing comfort in the hardest moments and laughter in the simplest ones. Whether he was behind a soundboard at church, sitting across from a friend over coffee, or cheering on someone's dream, Rusty made people feel like they mattered because to him, they truly did.
Raised in Bainbridge, Ohio, Rusty carried his small-town roots into every part of his life. His kindness, humor, and faith reflected the close-knit community that helped shape him.
Faith, Community, & Ministry
Rusty spent the last two decades faithfully serving in local churches, devoting his time, talents, and heart to ministry. He believed that faith wasn't something confined to a Sunday, it was something to be lived out every day through service, compassion, and love for others. For nearly five years, he served as youth pastor at Bainbridge United Methodist Church, guiding students in their faith journeys with the same humor, sincerity, and authenticity that defined his own walk with Christ. He believed deeply in investing in the next generation and was passionate about helping young people experience the transforming love of Jesus.
For the past six years, Rusty poured himself into Open Door Church in Chillicothe, Ohio, where he found friendship, purpose, and countless opportunities to serve. Whether he was running sound, mentoring new volunteers, or greeting people with a hug and a smile, he gave his all. Rusty worshiped unashamedly. Even when behind the soundboard, he could be seen singing at the top of his lungs, hands raised, fully immersed in praise. He believed worship wasn't a performance, it was a way of life, and he lived it wholeheartedly. His joy for worshiping the Lord was contagious. Rusty lived out Nehemiah 8:10, "The joy of the Lord is your strength." That joy became his signature and overflowed into every conversation, every Sunday morning hug, and every quiet act of service that often went unseen but never unnoticed.
Rusty was also active in the Chrysalis and Emmaus ministries, spiritual renewal movements designed to deepen the faith of both youth and adults. He served, sponsored, and directed multiple flights over the years, mentoring countless participants and embodying the servant-hearted spirit that these retreats inspire. A natural leader with a servant's heart, Rusty was never one to seek recognition. He simply showed up, week after week, with open hands and a full heart, ready to do whatever was needed for the sake of others and for the glory of God.
His heart for service extended beyond the church walls. Rusty worked as a social service worker with South Central Ohio Job and Family Services, where his compassion for children and families was lived out daily. It was more than a job to him; it was another way to live out his calling to care for others with kindness and faith.
That same spirit of service carried into his community. Rusty loved his hometown of Bainbridge, Ohio, where he and his grandmother, Betty "Gran" Blanton, shared a deep connection and joy in serving together. For many years, they helped organize the Fall Festival of Leaves, one of Bainbridge's most beloved annual traditions. The three-day event, filled with parades, music, a 5K run, and community gatherings, reflected the same fellowship and joy that Rusty brought wherever he went.
A Lifelong Love of Music and People
Rusty's love of music began early and never left him. A proud graduate of Paint Valley High School, he was in nearly every band the school offered, including marching, concert, jazz, and pep. He also competed in Solo and Ensemble events and was a member of the band that traveled to Canada during his senior year, where they won top honors. Rusty helped lead the Sunday worship service for the Paint Valley FCS Committee for several years, blending his love for music with his heart for ministry. He also performed in church Christmas plays and musicals from a young age.
After high school, Rusty continued to pursue his passion for music as a member of the Singing Men of Ohio, an ensemble within Ohio University's School of Music. The group, known for its motto Unitas per Harmonium (Unity through Harmony), combined professional musical training with service, fellowship, and community outreach. Rusty treasured his time with the ensemble, performing diverse choral works and traveling with the group to share music and joy with audiences near and far.
As a teenager, Rusty and his friends formed a band and played in school talent shows, where his humor, stage presence, and musical skill stood out. His passion for music continued long after college. He loved worship because it was more than sound, it was his way of connecting with others and expressing his faith.
Rusty's journey in Scouting began as a young Webelo Cub Scout in 1990, sparking what became a lifelong love of mentoring, serving, and adventure. He quickly developed a passion for camp life and leadership that would shape much of who he was. Rusty went on to earn his Pioneer and Trapper ranks in the Chief Logan Frontiersmen program and was awarded the prestigious Mountain Man Award in 2000.
He was also a proud Eagle Scout of Troop 1 from Bainbridge, Ohio. From 1998 to 2004, Rusty served as a staff member at Chief Logan Reservation, holding positions such as Handicraft Staffer, Handicraft Director, Trainer, and Program Director. Everybody knew Rusty by his boisterous voice, his excellent song-leading abilities, and his unforgettable "Dynamite Cheer." His spirit was magnetic, and a Rusty-led camp song could lift even the dampest of moods. He embodied what it meant to live with true Scout spirit — joyful, encouraging, and always ready to make someone smile.
He loved helping lead worship in the Chief Logan Reservation chapel, and one of the most common jokes among staff was that "everybody knows Rusty," a saying that captured how true it was that no one could meet him and not feel like his good friend within ten minutes. His time in Scouting, along with his involvement in baseball, youth group, and late-night card games, built friendships that lasted a lifetime. Friends remember his quick wit, his loyalty, and how he was always late for everything but still the first to show up when it truly mattered. And those who knew him well will smile to remember he always smelled good.
The Heart of a Friend
Rusty never met a stranger. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone he just met, you were welcomed with a hug and probably a laugh. His friends often joked that "Rusty could talk to a doorknob," and somehow, even that doorknob would walk away feeling encouraged. His humor, compassion, and sincerity left an imprint on everyone he encountered.
Rusty's greatest strength was his authenticity. He didn't hide his struggles, he shared them, and in doing so, gave others permission to be real too. His humility and openness made him deeply relatable. He reminded people that faith isn't about perfection but about perseverance and grace.
He had a way of making time stand still. When Rusty was with you, he was with you. Conversations with him were unhurried, genuine, and full of laughter and wisdom. He had the rare gift of making every person feel important, loved, and necessary.
He was a listener, an encourager, a mentor, and the kind of friend who would drop everything to help you move a couch, fix a computer, or pray with you in the middle of the night. He lived his faith not just in words but through the way he loved people, consistently, patiently, and without condition.
Family & Legacy
Rusty's greatest treasure was his wife, Bobbie, the love of his life. They were married on September 22, 2012, and together they built a beautiful life rooted in faith and friendship. When their lives came together, so did their circles of friends, creating a wider family bound by love, laughter, and shared purpose. Together, they expanded their ability to serve, encourage, and make an even greater impact on everyone blessed to know them.
Although Rusty and Bobbie did not have children of their own, he cherished his role as "Uncle Russ." It was one of his favorite titles and one that so many kids proudly called him. From church youth and community kids to the children of family and friends, "Uncle Russ" showed up at concerts, ballgames, graduations, and weddings. He celebrated every milestone and made sure each child felt seen, supported, and deeply loved. His steady encouragement, humor, and presence shaped the lives of countless young people, and his impact will last for generations.
Though Rusty faced challenges early in life, he never allowed them to define him. Instead, they deepened his empathy and capacity to love others like family. He often said that love wasn't limited by blood, it was a choice you made every day. Many people came to see him as a son or brother because he loved so big and so freely.
He is survived by his wife, Bobbie Lynn (Park) Penwell; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Brandon and Aprille Park; his parents-in-law, Bob and Kitty Park; his beloved nephew, Asher Park; and his "bonus family" who affectionately called him "Uncle Russ," Caleb Shepherd, Rebecca Shepherd, Taylor Madison, Tucker Woods, Micah Strange, and Adalee Strange.
Rusty was preceded in death by his mother, Joy Gilliland, and his loving grandmother, Betty "Gran" Blanton, who had a profound influence on his life. Her love, guidance, and faith shaped much of who he became, and the bond they shared will remain an enduring part of his story.
A Service Honoring His Life and Legacy
A service honoring the life and legacy of Rusty is scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025 at Open Door Church, located at 3130 S. Bridge Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601. Friends and family may call from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 3:00 p.m. under the direction of Haller Funeral Home and officiated by Pastor Mark Pfeifer. Friends are invited to gather, honor the life of Rusty, and worship together with music, laughter, and gratitude for the Savior he served so faithfully.
In honor of Rusty, the family encourages everyone to love a little bigger, laugh a little louder, and serve someone today. His legacy will live on in every life he touched and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
For a life lived in faithful service, there could be no more fitting words than,
"Well done, my good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Rusty L. Penwell, please visit our flower store.
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