John Dennis Pettit, 81 of Burnside IL went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday night, December 30, 2020, at Memorial Hospital in Carthage IL. He was born June 11, 1939 to Julius and Janice Pettit. He graduated from Colusa High School in 1957 and married his high school sweetheart, Sharon. They celebrated over 63 years of marriage together. He farmed in the Burnside area with his father, brother David, and sons. After “sort of” retiring at age 65, he farmed with his sister Diana, David and extended family members, Mark and Luke Burling. He enjoyed the independence and freedom of self employment and living in the rural setting, but he loved traveling with his Bride anywhere warm, with favorites being Hawaii and the Southwest. They began snowbirding to the Phoenix area and always welcomed visitors to come shovel sunshine instead of snow each winter. Ultimately, his passion was serving the Lord Jesus Christ and openly sharing his faith as opportunity arose. He was a member of the Burnside Christian Church where he enjoyed serving as a deacon, shepherding elder, Sunday School teacher, van and bus driver, transportation team, building and grounds team, cleaning team, etc. Romans 12: 6-13. He served with others on the Carthage Community School board, St. Louis Christian College as trustee, Hancock County board, Camp Point Mutual board and recently on the Home Owners Association board at his winter home in Sun City AZ. Next to his faith, it was obvious that his family was a favorite investment. He intentionally made sure that his children understood the faith that was passed on to him from generation to generation. He taught them to respect the elderly, care for those in need, be generous because God has been generous, work hard, be honest, and stand up for what is right, no matter the cost.
He was there to help any time needed. He was known for answering questions, counsel, encouragement, hugging, discipline and correction, sharing, caring, hugging, giving, fixing, praying, cheering, laughing, and more hugging, and so on as the best son, brother, husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend. He was transparent, so one rarely had to wonder where he stood on issues. He was known for his signature big laugh, big hands, big truck, big cowboy hat, and big hugs, especially in a setting with good food. With age came increasing patience and gentleness (so there’s still hope for the rest of us!) He treasured Thanksgiving gatherings where he corralled the family and, through trembling voice and tears of endearment, would remind them of Who and what was most important in life.
You could always count on him to answer a phone call or text, as if visiting with others was almost a mission. He was intentional about being present in the lives of all his children and grandchildren, and innumerable friends, and made a point of being present for the important events in their lives.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law Lois Pettit, and brother-in law Clarence Shults. Survivors include wife, Sharon; sister, Diana and brother, David; sister-in law, Sandi Soland; children, Betsy (Brad) Hudson of Springfield IL, Steve (Julie) of Acworth GA, Mark (Nancy) in Burnside area, Melissa (Brian) Diel of St. Charles MO, and James (Tara) of Urbandale IA. 14 grandchildren: Gabriel (Cori) Pettit, Bethany (Zach) Middleton, Jeffrey (Ashley) Pettit, Kara (Shane) Blomendahl, Joshua (Krystal) Diel, Justin (Alina) Pettit, Courtney Diel, Alison (Brian) Lox, Steven (Claudia) Diel, David Hudson, Michael Hudson, Zachary (Kayla) Diel, Leanne (Ruffin) Tchakounte, and Katie Hudson. 20 great grandchildren and one more on the way: Carter, Drake, Ashlyn, Reegan, Madelyn, Sadie, Lincoln, Eleanor, and Josiah Pettit; Elijah, Charlotte, and Julius Middleton; Margaret Blomendahl; Dawson, Eastlyn, and Finley Lox; Quinn, Wren, and Sawyer Diel, Aaden Tchakounte.
Graveside services, open to all family and friends, will be held at 10:30a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2021 at the Moss Ridge Cemetery in Carthage. While no formal family visitation is planned, friends are welcome to call at the Burnside Christian Church between 2:00 and 7:00p.m. Friday, January 8th. Memorial contributions may be made to the Good News Productions International; St. Louis Christian College; Casa por Cristo and the Burnside Christian Church. Banks & Beals Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. To leave a condolence, please visit Dennis’s obituary at banksandbeals.com.
