Claude M. Penn, Jr.

Claude M. Penn Jr., affectionately known to most as “Papa,” passed away peacefully at his home in McComb, Mississippi on Tuesday, December 9, at the age of 87, surrounded by those who loved him most. A respected and influential businessman, Claude’s entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and unwavering work ethic made him a true self-made success. Above all his accomplishments, his deepest devotion was always to his family and the people he loved.

Born on December 30, 1937, in Shidler, Oklahoma, to Claude M. Penn Sr. and Millie Cross Penn, Claude grew up with strong Osage roots and an even stronger sense of purpose. He graduated from Istrouma High School in 1956 and later attended Louisiana State University, proudly earning his Bachelor of Arts degree from the LSU Business School as a member of the Class of 1961.

Claude’s business endeavors spanned decades and industries, but what remained constant was his belief in people. Beginning in the 1960s, Claude and his brother founded CM Penn & Sons, Inc., a heavy-equipment construction company that would grow to become one of the largest privately owned transportation and remediation companies in the southern United States. In the early 1990s, he expanded his pursuits into the Louisiana gaming industry, eventually becoming the largest individual owner of video-poker truck stops in the state.

His entrepreneurial vision led him further into commercial and residential real estate development. He played a key role in shaping several communities through projects such as Paradise Lakes, Lakes at Bluebonnet, Shadowbrook Estates, Carter Plantation Golf Course—David Toms’ signature course—and Chatsworth Plantation (L’Auberge Baton Rouge). From gaming to remediation, construction to development, Claude’s determination and leadership left a lasting mark on the communities and on the many people whose careers he guided.

Whether you knew him as Claude or Papa, you knew a man who took pride in hard work and whose charismatic presence had a remarkable way of bringing people together. His ability to form lasting bonds in business, friendship, and family was unmatched.

Claude is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Janice Morris Penn; his daughters, Tammy Lea Penn and Debra “LuAnn” White (Tony); and his grandchildren; LeaAnn Johnson (Blake), Lainie A. Penn (Barry), Nicholas C. Penn (Lauren), Jessica W. Ard (Toby), Karsyn W. Garon (Jackson), and Skylar White. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren—Parker, Piper, Blakelea, Jaxen, Ada Grace, Jay, Miles, and Zora—as well as his nephew, Tanner Gahn. Claude will also be remembered by daughter-in-law Linda A. Penn and his sisters, Patty Penn and Shirley Thompson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Claude M. Penn Sr., Millie Cross Penn; his daughter, Marla P. Penn; his son, Claude M. “Jay” Penn III; his sisters, Peggy P. Seale and Sally P. Gahn; and his brothers, Joe F. Penn and Freddie R. Penn.

Claude “Papa” Penn will be remembered for his vision, generosity, and the legacy he built with his own hands—but most of all, for the love he poured into his family. His influence will continue to live on in the many lives he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family at Abundant Life Church, 206 Edgewood Dr, Denham Springs, Louisiana on Monday, December 15, 2025 for a visitation starting at 9:00 AM until the funeral service at 1:00 PM. Graveside service will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Mausoleum. A reception will follow after graveside at Carter Planation.