Sevoy D. Pennel, 71, longtime Sandpoint resident passed away Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2012, at Bonner General Hospital. Sevoy was born on his grandparent's Dickson's farm in Sebastian County, Ark., on Aug. 25, 1940, to Ivan and Vivian Pennel.

He began his education in Arkansas and then continued in the states of Washington and Idaho when his family moved. Sevoy served a brief enlistment in the United States Air Force stationed in Texas.

He met Betty Rauer in St. John, Wash., when she was visiting friends. They were married in Sandpoint at the Assembly of God Church on Aug. 28, 1959, and made Sandpoint their home. Sevoy and Betty celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in August 2009.

Sevoy worked for Idaho Forest Industries in Coeur d'Alene as the cut shop foreman. He then worked at the Cocolalla Lumber Company sawmill as the planer set-up foreman. Sevoy's next endeavor was to begin a successful career as a Bonner County Realtor helping people and working with them to find the perfect home or property. He later purchased the Sandpoint Fire & Safety Equipment Company in 1986, retiring in September 2006. Sevoy also owned and operated Sevoy Management Co. Inc. - a service company.

Sevoy enjoyed his family, friends, holding and attending yard sales, hunting, fishing, refurbishing RV campers and trailers and helping people. He loved the Lord and good Southern Gospel music. He was a member of the North Idaho Rainbow Chasers RV camping group.

Sevoy is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty Pennel of Sandpoint; one son, Larry (Cindy) of Coeur d'Alene; one sister, Ida Ann (Ray) Elmore of Huntington, Ark.; two half-sisters, Joy (Marvin) Houghtling of Marble Falls, Texas, and Paula Sue (Lester Noble) of Leander, Texas; one half-brother, Bill (Donna) Decker of Greenwood, Mo.; one grandchild, Justin Pennel of Moscow; two step-grandchildren, Tami (Adam) Wabs and Chad (Chasta) Dixon; and five step-great-grandchildren, all of Coeur d'Alene. Several cousins, nieces and nephews, survive in Missouri, Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma.

Sevoy was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at Coffelt's Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Brian Noble of the Sandpoint Assembly of God Church officiating.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service. Family and friends are invited to sign Sevoy's online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com.