Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Harry Penry
Oct 12th, 1942 - Oct 18th, 2026Harry Albert Penry, of DeWitt, Illinois, and formerly of Flora, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2026, at the age of 84. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, educator, musician, and man of strong Christian faith.
Harry was born on October 12, 1942, to the late Hancel Penry and Genevieve (Barwick) Penry. He grew up in southern Illinois and developed a lifelong love of music, education, faith, and working with young people.
On August 7, 1965, Harry married Linda Jean Curtright at the Methodist Church in Vienna, Illinois. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and the many experiences they shared throughout their years with one another.
Harry graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1965 and later earned his master's degree from Illinois State University. He began his career in education as a music teacher and band director at Melvin-Sibley. In 1969, he began what would become a remarkable decades-long association with Flora High School, where he served as band and chorus director and helped build the Flora music program into one of the area's best-known high school programs.
During his career, Harry also served as principal at Flora High School and took great pride in the FHS Band and Pep Band, sharing his love of music and school spirit with generations of students. He helped create lasting memories through band trips, including visits to Disney World and cruises to the Bahamas. Even after retirement, he continued doing what he loved, directing bands at Clay City and returning to Flora High School. In 2015, the school renamed its auditorium the Harry Penry Auditorium in his honor. He and his family unveiled the sign at a dedication held, appropriately, on the night of the Spring Band Concert.
Faith was central to Harry’s life. He directed the choir at the Methodist Church in Flora and was a member of the Christian singing group Four For One. He also enjoyed restoring and maintaining cars, but his greatest pride was his family. He treasured attending his grandchildren’s school activities and sporting events and took great pride in their musical talents and accomplishments. He especially enjoyed spending time with his great-grandchildren, Myla and Leo.
Harry is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Jean Penry of DeWitt; his children, Michael Penry and wife, Karla, of Heyworth, and Gena Lagle of Mansfield; four grandchildren, Katelyn Penry Datweiler and husband, Tate, Noah Penry, Bryant Lagle, and Jarett Lagle and wife, Lexi; two great-grandchildren, Myla Datweiler and Leo Lagle; and his sister, Janice McAdams and husband, Carl, of DeSoto.
Harry will be remembered for his faith, his devotion to family, his dedication to education, and the lasting impact he made on his students and community through music.
A visitation for family and friends will take place from 1 until 3 p.m. on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora, with a funeral ceremony beginning at 3 p.m. A committal ceremony and burial will take place at Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale at 11 a.m. on Monday, November 9. Memorial donations may be made to the Flora High School Music Department and will be accepted at the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com