It is with great sadness we announce that Herbert “Pete” Pettit, Jr., passed away on March 2, 2021, after a long battle with dementia. There was a graveside military service at Sunrise Cemetery, Fortuna on March 9, 2021. Thank you to all the relatives and friends that attended. Our heartfelt thanks to Gobles Mortuary and Sunrise Cemetery for arranging; Margaret (“Maggie”) Pettit, his daughter/caretaker for several years; Hospice, for their special care near the end; and the Veterans Administration for arranging the gun salute and the flag.

 He was born in Lubbock, Texas on May 12, 1921, and served in the Army in World War II. He is survived by the last sibling of the Pettit Family, his brother Richard, his son Don Pettit, daughters, Ruth Ann Williams, Margaret Pettit, Debra Sigmon and Glenda Pettit. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 50 years Oletis Pettit. He is also survived by many grand and great-grandchildren.

His passion was trucking, ranching and country dancing. He was a very patient, kind and loving man, husband, father, sibling and friend. You would ask him how he’s feeling and he’d say “with both hands” or “I can’t jump as high”. He was always willing to help out a family member, friend or neighbor. Most weekends of his life were spent country dancing at Bear River, Angelina Inn or wherever he could find a place to dance. He loved to dance so much, Oletis left him when she wanted to go. He remarked that was the last time I stayed when she said she was ready to go. They are both dancing in heaven.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Pete Pettit’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.