Donald “Don” C. Pettit, 85, departed this world Sunday afternoon at 2:25 p.m. on October 23, 2016, to join his wife, Betty, and son, Donald Pettit, in Heaven. Don spent the last nine years of his life battling Alzheimer’s at the VA in Marion where he was taken care of with love. He was surrounded by family when he went to meet his Lord.
Don was born in Dillsboro, Indiana, to the late Harvey and Grace (Locke) Pettit. He grew up in Milan where he played basketball for the Milan Indians. Don married his high school sweetheart, Betty York. They were happily married for 57 years before death did they part. Fifty of those years were spent in Marion where they raised their children, Donald J. Pettit and Jill A. (Pettit) King. Donald and Betty enjoyed traveling the world and spending time with family.
Don was a proud patriot and was inducted into the Army in July of 1952. He served his country in the Korean War for over two years and, for his service, earned the Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Korean Service Ribbon with two bronze service stars.
He made his living as a supervisor of Tool & Dye for Fisher Body for over 30 years. Don was also the head usher at Lakeview Wesleyan Church where he and his wife enjoyed volunteering. He was a freemason and a member of the Post 95 Legion. During his free time, he enjoyed gardening and yardwork along with woodcraft, working in his shop making all kinds of things for the house that his family still enjoys using today. You name it, he could make it. He was also remembered for his athletic abilities in basketball and softball. Don was a true inspiration to those around him and a role model to so many.
Don was the father of Donald J. Pettit (deceased); the father-in-law to Ileana (Barreto) Pettit of Pembroke Pines, Florida, and the father to Jill A. King of Marion. He was the grandfather of Chad Swanner of Marion, Melissa Swanner of Gas City, and Paula and Gaby Pettit of Pembroke Pines, Florida. He also had three great-grandchildren, Caleb Swanner of Miami, Florida, Kiean and Isabella Swanner, and one step-grandchild, Isaac Devine.
Don was preceded in death by his son, Donald J. Pettit; wife, Betty F. Pettit; and his brothers, Roger and Bill Pettit.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2016, at VA Protestant Chapel, 1700 E. 38th St., Marion. Services will begin at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jim Sonnefield officiating. Burial will follow at Marion National Cemetery.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Alzheimer’s Association, 50 E. 91st St., Ste. 100, Indianapolis IN 46209-4830.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.