It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Scott Matthew Panning on November 25, 2021.
Scott was a loving father, husband, brother, uncle, and friend. Scott was born to Eldor and Linnie (Leckrone) Panning on New Year’s day, 1962 in Bradner, Ohio. He grew up a preacher’s kid in a devout Lutheran home. The family moved whenever his father was called, making various towns in northwest Ohio and Michigan home. He graduated from Grandville High School near Grand Rapids, Michigan; but spent most of his high school years in Reed City. He played basketball and football but his favorite sport was baseball. Scott loved to throw and did it well! He was a left handed pitcher for a year at Ferris State and graduated with distinction in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science in Business.
He moved to Atlanta, Georgia upon graduation to begin his first career in the chemical sales business. While in Atlanta, he was promoted to a regional position and transferred to Memphis, Tennessee. In the summer of 1992, while living in Memphis, Scott met his wife Jennifer Tenaglia. They married there on May 21, 1994.
He liked the hospitality of southern living but returned to Ohio and eventually landed back in Michigan. This is where Scott started his second career in the tile and terrazzo business with Artisan Tile in Brighton, Michigan. His daughters Morgen and Sloan meant everything to him. Scott believed in Christian education and was instrumental in founding Light of the World Academy at Shalom Lutheran Church where Morgen and Sloan attended. When Morgen and Sloan moved to Livingston Christian Schools, Scott became President of the School Board and helped them build a new school. His faith roots were instrumental at these schools.
Scott was a family man who loved lake living, boating, humor, music and order. He filled the home with music; and was often heard singing his favorite songs with a beautiful voice. These gifts along with passion for sports he passed on to the girls. He loved the goodness and opportunity this country offered. He was abundantly generous and truly believed it was better to give than receive.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Eldor and Linnie; brother-in law, Garrett Sharp; and father-in-law, Ralph Tenaglia.
Funeral services and visitation will be at Shalom Lutheran Church 1740 M-36, Pinckney, Mich., 48169. The funeral service is at 11:00 a.m Saturday, December 4th, 2021 with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating. Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. – 8 p.m. Friday, December 3rd, and from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the church.
Please support Scott’s love for those who served by making contributions to Wreaths Across America http://wreathsacrossamerica.org/mi0178 in lieu of flowers. Arrangements by Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel, 1000 W. Silver Lake Rd., Fenton, Mich., 48430. Tributes mat be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.
