Franklin Lewis Penman, passed away peacefully at age 93 in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 22, 2021. Lewis was born on June 1, 1928, to Franklin Henry Penman and Johanna Edwards in Bountiful, Utah. Lewis was the eldest brother to Terrance and Sharon. Lewis grew up in the Fairpark area of Salt Lake City where he had many rural adventures and made many lifelong friends.
Lewis graduated from West High School. As part of the U.S. army, he served in Germany during the Korean War. Lewis studied art and architecture at Salt Lake Technical College and the University of Utah.
He married Janet Leatham on September 3, 1954, in the Salt Lake Temple. They spent almost 67 years together raising 7 children along the way.
Lewis was a very talented, prize-winning artist who specialized in watercolor painting. Lewis’s professional career was spent working in the field of architecture—including partnering in his own firm, Smith- Penman Architects and finishing as Director of Campus Planning at the University of Utah.
Lewis’s talent lives on in his lasting work in many residences and structures in the Salt Lake Area as well as in the Mountainwest.
Lewis had a deep interest in the spiritual and developing a relationship with God. Lewis found a strong identity with the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints as his ancestors had crossed seas and desert plains to follow its teachings. Lewis served in many callings throughout his life: his favorites being a stake mission leader and a bishop in Murray, Utah. Lewis loved to teach and lead. He was always interested in exploring and discussing the deeper meanings and subjects of the gospel.
Lewis loved sports of all kinds; his favorite was tennis which he played well into his retirement years. Saturday mornings were spent with his family on the tennis court where many good memories live on. Lewis loved to drive and took many road trips to show the wonders of the west to his children. Lewis appreciated nature and the beauties of the world. He worked very hard at creating beautiful spaces wherever he lived.
Lewis and Janet spent their years together loving and helping each other. They endured many trials together. Janet was loving and patient to the very end as Lewis struggled with Alzheimer’s. Janet’s love and care helped Lewis maintain his independence to the very end. This was so important to him, and Janet gave him this last wish. Lewis joins his parents, sister Sharon, brother Terrance, his son Jason, and his daughter Linette in the spirit world.
Survived by Janet, his loving wife, and his children: Lewis L Penman and Norman Van Manen, Laura and David Brown, Leslie and Lynn Croft, Jon and Rheim Penman, Linda and Joal Savage and Michael Fisher; grandchildren: Kimberly, Carly, Katie, Emily, Jonathan, Lauren, Malinda, William, Erik, Spencer, Jason and Jonny and many sweet greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews, friends and relatives will miss him and lovingly remember him.
Graveside Services will be held on Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 1:00 pm. Salt Lake Cemetery. A viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary from 11:30 am-12:30 pm at Larkin Mortuary (260 East South Temple).
DIRECTIONS WITHIN THE CEMETERY
MAIN TO HILLSIDE
HILLSIDE TO TOP
AND WEST AROUND THE ROADWAY
Lewis so sorry for your loss. Our prayers for you and your family are with you .You have precious memories of his Love to always remember. Thinking of you love Betty
A beautiful tribute to a wonderful man I am privileged to be able to have called dad as I joined his wonderful family. Thank you dad for the love you shared with me. I miss our many thoughtful discussions and times shared with delight. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
My heart and prayers go out to my aunt Janet and cousins during this time. Uncle Lewis was always a positive light when we would visit and I’ll always remember his optimism and love of life and family! I was always happy when around him and his family! I will be there in thought and prayers. I miss everyone!
Janet and Family, I was so sad to hear of Lou's passing, but as was I at Cliff's passing, I see it was a blessing to you all. Lou was such a kind and loving man. And he and Cliff spent many happy years playing basketball. together. Those early years, when we were all together enjoying the time we had, either at basketball games or serving together in church will be wonderful memories for me. You and Lou will always be a special part of those memories. Our children spent time together as well, and will always be friends with special memories too. My boys talk of those times often. I will pray for you, Janet, and for your children to love the memories you all made together, for they will bring you much peace, which you will need for now, while you adjust to the new adventure facing you. May God bless you and your family. I have always loved and admired you and Lou, Janet. Thank you for the time we share together. He is a special man, your Lou!!
Anne Siler