Michael Penn

Michael Vincent Penn, 50, was born on July 21, 1970, at Saint Ann’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio to his mother, Joan E. Wood, and the late Stanley Penn. From six months old, the late Emmet J. Evans, Jr. fondly assumed the role of being Michael’s father. Michael was also raised by his stepfather, Rev. Jesse L. Wood.  

Michael known as “Mike” knew no strangers and was always drawn to others in need. As a child, he loved animals and tried to rescue every stray dog he met coming home from school. While living in Dallas, TX as a preteen, Michael and his little brother Tony shared special moments being kids like taking swims in Five Mile Creek and climbing trees in their Oak Cliff neighborhood. After returning to Columbus, Michael attended Eastmoor High school before graduating from Mifflin High School. He enjoyed running, playing basketball, and especially loved tennis. After high school, Michael served in the United States Army. He also attended Central State University.  

An artist at heart, Michael was gifted with drawing people and superheroes. He was a huge comic book fan and collector. Michael was a lyrical poet and natural storyteller. In 2001, he wrote and recited a poem for Olympic medalist Carl Lewis. His true passion, however, was in writing music. In 2006, he recorded his own inspirational rap album under his stage name, KingPenn. Michael wrote a very personal memoir about his journey called From Here to Nashville.

In 2007, Michael married Kristina King and fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a father. Nothing brought more joy to his life than being with his sons Trey, Jalen, and Kadeem. He adored his family and loved making them smile. Michael always looked forward to annual family reunions. His loving heart, hilarious laugh, and fun energetic spirit will be deeply missed.

Michael knew the Lord as his savior and sought to be a light even in the darkest moments of his life. He was called home on February 21, 2021, and joins his beloved nephew, Khalil D. Evans, stepfather, Emmet J. Evans, Jr., grandmother, Louise Ahmad, uncle, Jerome Baker, step-aunt, Blanche Little, and cousin, Sean Williams.

Michael is survived by his son, Eleazar (Trey) Penn, stepsons, Jalen and Kadeem Hemphill, mother, Joan Wood, stepfather, Rev. Jesse (Cynthia) L. Wood; siblings, Walton “Tony” (Ladwyna) Evans, Zula (Nathan) Pierce; Tina Evans, Ida Evans, Arnika (Ron) Edwards, Chenise Ballenger-Crump; Qwann (Christen) Wood, Alan Evans and Emmet Evans III; ex-wife and best friend Kristina King; stepmother Geraldine Evans; nieces and nephews, Briana, Cailyn, and Xavier Evans, Denietra Vance-Evans, Natalya, Mila and Sierra Pierce; Raphael Evans, Emmetria Jackson, Chanel Clements; Darius, Kendall, and Evan Crump; Kayden, Journey, Maya, and Brayden Wood; great-niece, Khali Anne Evans; special great-aunts Shirley Weldon, Betty Byrd, Frances Miller, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

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