Jeffery Wade Penalber

Jeffery “Jeff” Penalber, 60, died peacefully in his home on February 5, 2025. Jeff was born on July 25, 1964, to Emanuel and Betty Sue Penalber. Though Jeff was the second of four children, he gave Betty Sue and Emanuel the most headaches. Whether due to his loud, boisterous voice, endless jokes, or his lack of filter, he was sure to keep them on their toes.

Jeff was a boiler maker by trade and enjoyed training the next generation of young men who chose to follow in his footsteps. So much so that they often referred to him as their “Work Dad”, keeping in touch with him, even after switching companies. However, his favorite mentee was his nephew, Ethan. Traveling the country for work with him were some of his favorite memories. Though Jeff chose a career as a boilermaker, he was often referred to as a phenomenal mechanic who could fix just about anything (even some things that had no business being fixed). Even his oldest daughter Veronica’s Radio Flyer Tricycle, that she took apart just so she “Could put it together like Daddy”.

Jeff’s pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He couldn’t have a single conversation about them without beaming with pride and bragging on their accomplishments, no matter how big or small. Though we are saddened and heartbroken by our loss, we know that Jeff is smiling in Heaven with his Momma, who spoiled him rotten and his baby brother, whose passing broke his heart in a way that we cannot imagine.

Jeff is survived by his father, Emanuel Penalber. His sisters, Donna Ward (Jim), Tonya Penalber (Keith), and his absolute favorite Sister In Law, Laura Penalber; his children and the four girls that he adored, Veronica Jones (Cody), Kassy Penalber, Tracy Guidry (Travis) and Jessica Bignar (Wesley); his grandchildren whom he couldn’t help but brag on, Riley and Addie Jones, Stephen, Stephanie, Trenton and Tremayne Roberson, and Peyton and Lainey Bignar; As well as many nieces, nephews, and friends that he adored. Jeff is also survived by the mothers of his children who gave him many years of their lives and the biggest joys of his life; Phyllis Smith and Sherry Lee.

Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Sue Penalber; his brother, Clint Penalber; his niece, Courtney Edwards; his grandparents, Bush and Ettievie Penalber and Eugene and Corrine St. Cyr.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home in Ponchatoula, 100 W. Magnolia Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, beginning at 9:00 AM until the funeral service begins at 11:00 AM. Pastor Nathan Wall will be officiating.

Interment will follow in Springfield Cemetery, Springfield, Louisiana.