Donald Pettit

Donald Paul Pettit, 72, of Osceola passed away in his eldest son’s home, April 26, 2020, where he was living with family for the past two years.

Donald was born Feb. 6, 1948, to Earl Eugene Pettit and Esther May (Bates) Pettit in Adair County. Donald had two older brothers William Keith Bates and Earl Dean Pettit and a younger sister Bonnie May (Pettit) Neitz.

Donald grew up in Menlo graduating from Menlo Community School in 1966. Donald then joined the U.S. Army where Sgt. Pettit was honored with the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service while a member of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade, 4th Armored Division. Donald was the radio teletype team chief and stationed in Germany during his service. After returning home Donald completed courses with DMACC for farm management.

Donnie later married Susan (Winefeldt) and to their union two sons Earnest Eugene Pettit and William Dean Pettit were born. After their divorce, Donnie raised his sons on a farm South of Stuart while he worked as a farm assistant for the Bob Linn family. In 1990, Donnie bought his own farm North of Stuart, moving his family there until moving in with his son’s family. Donnie worked over 20 years for Okoboji Pallet and Packaging Inc. in Redfield until his retirement.

Donnie loved to go to tractor and truck pulls, going to town to drink his morning coffee with other locals at the gas station in Stuart, celebrating Bonnie, Donnie and Dean’s February/March birthdays with the families, hosting Memorial Day picnics at his farm and spending as much time as he could with family especially his sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Donnie is proceeded in death by his parents, his oldest brother Bill Bates and nephew Jeremy Wolff. Donnie is survived by his brother Dean (Debbie) Pettit of Mt. Ayr, sister Bonnie Neitz of Menlo, Son Earnest (Cheri) Pettit of Osceola, Son William (Tori) Pettit of Fontanelle; seven grandchildren: Tanner Cornelison, Mandi Frasier, Jordanne Beardsley, Paige O’Neall, Tommie O’Neall, Lexi Pettit, Bel Pettit; and seven great-grandchildren along with nieces and nephews and their families.

Due to current restrictions a celebration of life will be held later for friends and family. Condolences can be sent to his sons: Earnest Pettit at 1931 McComb Street, Osceola, IA 50213 or Willie Pettit at 513 4th Street, Fontanelle, IA 50846.