Floyd Pettit

Floyd Irvin Pettit

March 27, 1921 - June 26, 2018

BENKELMAN, Neb. — Floyd Irvin Pettit was born to Harry and Estella May (McClain) Pettit on March 27, 1921, in Cheyenne County, Kan. He attended school in Bird City, Kan., and graduated from Bird City High School with the Class of 1940. Floyd enlisted in the United States Navy on Sept. 15, 1942. He rose to the rank of Aviation Machinist Mate Second Class and received the Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal; he was honorably discharged on Nov. 10, 1945.

Floyd was united in marriage to Thelma Blanche Gunther on Jan. 30, 1945, in Bird City. The couple lived in Omaha, Neb., for a time, where Floyd worked for Caterpillar. They moved to Benkelman and Floyd started working for Walter Fries as a gravel pumper. He also farmed, raised hogs and had a dairy. In 1965 Floyd purchased the gravel business from Fries and constructed a redi-mix plant. During this time he started buying cows for a hobby; this hobby turned into a fulltime job. Floyd then purchased the Gunther Farm and farming became another fulltime job.

In addition to his busy work schedule, Floyd enjoyed to fish and hunt whenever time allowed.

Floyd passed away Tuesday morning, June 26, 2018, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman. He was 97 years of age.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Stella; his wife, Thelma; brothers, Melvin and Wayne Pettit; sisters: Edna Hatch, Aletha Willis and Fannie Chipperfield.

Survivors include sons, David Pettit and wife, Julie of Portland Ore., and Terry Pettit of Fort Collins, Colo.; grandsons, Brian Pettit and wife, Deena and Zach Pettit and wife, Nicole; great-grandchildren, David, Jonathan, Kellan, Ella and Elias; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were today, July 2, 2018, at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Pastor Rod Helibrun officiating. Interment followed services in the Benkelman Cemetery with full Military Honors.

No visitation; it was Floyd's wish for the casket to remain closed at all times.

Memorials have been established to the Dundy County Hospital Foundation and the Hester Home in Benkelman.

Online condolences may be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Benkelman Memorial Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.