John R. Pettit Sr., 75, of East Avenue, Washington, died at 3:50 p.m. Saturday, November 28, 1998, in Washington Hospital. He was a member of First Christian Church, Washington. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Pettit was employed by Jessop Steel for 30 years. He was disabled during World War II in Germany, where he served in the U.S. Army as a staff sergeant. On October 6, 1941, he married Martha Zaharoff, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, John R. Pettit Jr. of Gas City, Ind., and James G. Pettit of Washington; a brother, William S. Pettit of Mt. Morris; a sister, Catherine Hague Keeling of Washington; five grandchildren, Trisanne Lamb, Rebecca Lynn Sharp, Judith Ann Pettit, John R. Pettit III and Timothy James Pettit; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are three sisters, Anna Loughman, Olive Pettit Cole and Carrie Mae McCaffrey; and three brothers, Grover and Elsworth Pettit and James Danley. Copyright ©1998 Observer Publishing Co.Last updated Monday, November 30, 1998John R. Pettit Sr.
Jessop Steel retiree served in WWII
He was born February 9, 1923, in Wolfdale, a son of Silas and Catherine Flynn Pettit.