Wendell Lee Pettus

Wendell was born on May 22, 1943 to Joseph and Josephine Pettus in Cleveland, Ohio. After Wendell graduated from Bob Jones Academy in 1961, he went on to study aviation and pursued his dream of flying by obtaining several single and multi-engine pilot licenses and was working towards becoming a commercial pilot at Mt. San Antonio College, until he was drafted into the Army in 1964.

While serving his country, he trained as a helicopter mechanic, but was used more often than not to drive and fix the army trucks. After being discharged from the service, he went to Northrop Institute of Technology and obtained his airframe and power maintenance license. Although he desired to become a commercial pilot, and eventually work in Missions God had other ideas. In addition to 20 years of service to various companies including Hilton Hotel, and Union Ice Company, Wendell earned his electricians contractor license and worked for over 20 plus years at Leisure World in Seal Beach in electrical and building maintenance. He was part of the 501 Operating Engineers Union for much of his career.

In 1963, Wendell met Carol Roberts at Baldwin Park Bible Church. The two were married in July, 1966, and went on to adopt two children, Deborah and Ney. Wendell loved his family so much. He took them on many adventures in his 1970’s Toyota Land Cruiser and his 1969 Chevy truck and camper. His daughter fondly remembers him as being very present during their formative years. He loved taking his children to the snow in the winter and bike riding and camping in the summer. Although he continued to dream about flying, other than being given the opportunity to navigate for a moment or two in private helicopters and planes, he never took to the skies on his own again.

In 2008, Wendell retired due to kidney failure and spent his time, in between dialysis days, and later after receiving a kidney, pursuing his new passion of learning to play the organ. Wendell was no stranger to music having learned to play the piano, violin, guitar, and even the harmonica in his youth and had perfect pitch which was an asset in the many choirs he sang in. Wendell loved playing the organ and was always talking about how much he loved praising God by playing that beautiful musical instrument.

Wendell was predeceased by his father, Joseph, and mother, Josephine. He is survived by his wife, Carol,

his children Deborah and Ney, and his siblings Jean, Jim, Sarah, and Martha.

Services will be held at Bethany Baptist Church in West Covina on February 25 at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the organ fund at Bethany Baptist Church to allow others to continue to hear the pipes play.