John Petty

John “Dude” Petty, 82, passed away early Thursday morning, October 6, 2011 at his home. Born September 16, 1929 in Athens, Alabama, he was the son of the late Dewey and Mary Ida (Fletcher) Petty. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War and was a current member of the American Legion. John enjoyed watching sports and “spaghetti” westerns. He was formerly employed at Empire Detroit Steel Mill for 35 years and was a member of the United Steelworkers of American Local #169. A quiet and reserved man, John found great joy in spending time with his family. He adored his grandchildren and they enjoyed visiting with him as well.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Beulah (Helm) Petty; one son, Tony (Arleen) Petty; two daughters, Velva Owens and Dedra (John) Sylvester; grandchildren, Durell Petty, Eric Petty, Michael Petty, India (Nate) Feagin, Toni Petty, Justin (Alecia) Petty, Jazmin Sylvester, Tiffani Owens and Taylor Petty; eleven great-grandchildren with special thanks to great-granddaughter, Janisha Mack for her loving care during her great-grandfather’s illness; brother, Frank (Eileen) Petty; two sisters, Mary Bryant and Marilyn Petty; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, James, Sam and Sylvester Petty; four sisters, Cleo, Anita, Mabel and Pearline; and a son-in-law, John L. Owens, Jr.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery with military honors presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad.