Monte Dale Penney was born on March 18, 1950, in Calvert City, Kentucky, and passed away on September 21, 2025 in Baytown, Texas at the age of 75. He worked until the very end of his life doing what he loved, running his cranes.
Monte was a 1968 graduate of North Marshall High School. He studied computer programming at Murray State University. Throughout his professional life, his dedication, expertise, and larger-than-life spirit made him not just a highly skilled operator, but also a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to many. If you were on Monte’s daily text list, you were probably receiving regular political posts from Facebook. He was a true patriot.
Monte was known to everyone who worked with him as tough, hard-core, and rough-spoken. But, when the job was done, he was the first to grab a beer and share a laugh. He was passionate about his work as a crane operator, a trade he mastered over decades. He was proud to have been part of many major projects, including putting the roof on the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, where he ran an MLC 650 crane, and working on the Nucor Steel Mill in Decatur, Alabama, also with an MLC 650. Monte worked as a supervisor for Ken-Tenn Construction of Fulton, building bridges on many of the interstates all over the country.
Respected as a highly skilled operator, Monte was also known as a great teacher. He served as the project manager for Bechtel at Turkey Point in Homestead, Florida, where he taught OSHEA and ANSI classes to over 6,000 students.
Alongside his wife, Vicki, Monte was the co-owner of VIC Enterprises Inc., installing many timber bridges over both western and eastern Kentucky. The couple also owns and operates Locust Valley Mobile Estates.
Another meaningful chapter in Monte’s life came later, when he was reunited with his daughter, Kathleen Engel-Bhullar, who had been placed for adoption without his knowledge. Though they were apart for 46 years, they found each other and shared a heartfelt bond over the past eight years - a gift Kathleen cherishes deeply. Monte developed a great relationship with Kathleen’s husband Dave, as well as two grandsons, Ryan Madej and Austin McColgin, and two great-grandchildren, Hunter and Quinn Madej.
Monte enjoyed sitting high in the seat of his crane, but he also enjoyed flying high above the ground. For several years, Monte maintained his pilot’s license, another testimony to his life lived to the fullest with numerous adventures. He will be remembered for a warm heart, strong work ethic, and deep love for those nearest to him.
Monte is survived by his devoted wife of 37 years, Vicki Penney; his daughter, Kathleen Engel-Bhullar (Dave); two grandchildren, Ryan Madej and Austyn McColgin; two great-grandchildren, Hunter Madej and Quinn Madej; one brother, Wayne Rawls (Glenna); nieces and nephews, Katrina Reed (Bryan), Kristina Perry (Jesse), and Chris Rawls (Cherlyn); he is also survived by his niece, Rebecca Morgan, who was like a daughter to him and her daughter, Zoe, who was Monte’s pride and joy.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brian Penney; his mother, Lois Moore Villeneuve; his step-father, John Villeneuve; and his father, William Penney.
A memorial service will be held at 1 P.M. on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the Milner and Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Rev. Chris Moore officiating. Visitation will begin at 11 A.M. on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at the funeral home and continue until the memorial service starts.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of gifts to the McCracken County Humane Society at 4000 Coleman Road, Paducah, Kentucky 42001.
Share a memory or leave an encouraging message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
