Robert Brent Pennington, age 43, passed away unexpectedly on January 23, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. He was born on August 27, 1973 in Ashland, Kentucky and spent his childhood in Kentucky, graduating from Waggoner High School in Louisville. Brent received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and continued his education by earning a Juris Doctor degree from Northern Illinois University College of Law. He was a dedicated public interest attorney and worked for more than 15 years serving low-income individuals in both civil and criminal practice.

As he rolled by in his wheelchair, Brent was a familiar site to many in the Chicago Loop, always with a bright smile and a kind word for everyone. A connoisseur of depressing literature and a devotee of Caravaggio from a young age, Brent doted on his cats.

Brent was an avid fan of football and University of Kentucky basketball. He was a good friend and counselor to everyone he met, taking time to patiently listen and offer insightful advice. His wit was sharp and quick and his braying laugh was unmistakable.

Brent was the devoted son of Rachel Sue Pennington of Chicago, IL. He is also survived by his aunts Patricia Lynn Pennington of Houston, TX and Lisa Ann Pennington of Barboursville, WV, uncles Mark Edward Pennington of Proctorville, OH and Steven Ray Pennington of Lexington, KY, as well as his younger cousins Eddie, Jennifer and Brad.

A memorial service will take place at Michalik Funeral Home, 1056 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60642. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. with the service to follow at 3:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Brent's life.

For further information please call 312-421-0936.