Sylvanus Eugene Penserum (Van), 78, of the Bonnots Mill area, passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, 2026, with his sons by his side following a courageous year-long battle with cancer.
He was born on May 20, 1947, to the late Charles Walter and Mary Catherine Beck Penserum.
In 1985, he met Rita Scott, who became his wife and devoted companion for the next 40 years. Together they embraced a life rooted in traditional skills and shared experiences. After completing a timber-framing class in Maine, they raised a post-and-beam cottage on the family century farm near Bonnots Mill. They also took classes in harnessing and driving their team of small horses, making lye soap, tapping maple trees and producing maple syrup—activities they cherished doing side by side.
Van possessed a remarkable talent for restoring and repairing antique clocks and light fixtures. He often said he was born 100 years too late, a sentiment reflected in his love for vintage cars and antiques.
He especially enjoyed driving his little yellow VW truck and later his Mazda Miata convertible along county roads, searching for hidden treasures in antique shops.
Van was deeply involved in the lives of his grandchildren. He taught them how to build teepees, make bows and arrows, fish and clean their catch, hunt for arrowheads in the creeks on the farm, and above all, how to appreciate God’s creation and develop a love for nature.
He also held a profound respect for older generations. Van was a faithful companion to Rita’s uncle, caring for him on the farm where the uncle was born until his passing at the age of 101.
Van developed a strong and enduring faith in God and studied the Holy Bible daily and lived his faith quietly but deeply. Having endured an abusive childhood, he asked God to be his father at an early age—a relationship that guided him throughout his life. Van attended the Bonnots Mill Methodist Church until its closure and was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist congregation in Jefferson City at the time of his death.
He was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Mary; brothers, Charles Ray, Lawrence Delgrado and Clifford Niel Penserum; and grandson, John McCutchen.
Van is survived by sister, Jean Beck and husband Hervie; sons, Travis Eugene Penserum and friend Debi McDaniel, Joseph Andrew Penserum and friend Jennifer McMillin and Jason André Penserum and friend Natalie Michelle Mendez; and step-daughters, Laura Rachellé Pierce and husband Eric, Sarah Asberry and Deborah Campbell and husband John;
grandchildren of whom he was proud, Miranda Pate and husband Carter, Julianna Stafford and husband Andre’, Justin Boessen and wife Kaylee, Daniell Boessen, Elijah Penserum, Tallulah, Calliope, Dahlia Lear and husband Ben, Eva Rose, Lena Penserum, Katie Brown and husband Kent, Rachelle Harley and husband Will, Joshua, Jessica and James Hartzler, Sarah Fick and husband Josh and Justin Campbell and wife Sarah; 17 great-grandchildren; and faithful and dear friends, Robert Hyatt and Steve Meyer.
Van will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his love of family, his reverence for tradition and nature and his steadfast faith. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched.
Funeral Services were held Tuesday, Jan. 20, at Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City, with Pastor Fainer Benjamin officiating. Interment was in Cadet Creek Cemetery in Bonnots Mill.
Arrangements entrusted to Houser-Millard Funeral Directors in Jefferson City.
Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com
