(St. George, UT) - Richard Junius Pettit, born June 23, 1918, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Jesse Raymond and Phyllis Clayton Pettit, passed peacefully away in his St. George home Tuesday morning, April 5, at the age of 92. He married his eternal sweetheart, June Aileen Cannon, January 31, 1942, and was sealed to her in the Mesa, Arizona temple.

Dick, as he was known by friends and family, lived an exemplary life. He lived in Salt Lake City until 1931, when he moved to Los Angeles, California. He served a successful mission to the New England states and then enlisted in the Army Air Force in 1942 to become a part of World War II. During that time, he flew B-24 bombers and survived harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war. These events shaped his life in making him the great man he became.

In his many church callings, one of his greatest blessings was being a youth advisor and bishop to the singles in his ward and stake callings in Glendale, California for over 20 years. He had a positive influence on many lives.

He is survived by his sweet wife, June Aileen; his sister, Phyllis Whitchurch, of Salt Lake City; his children Richard Junius Pettit (wife Hilda, deceased); Barbara Parady (husband, John); Cheryl Apgar; Robert Pettit (wife, Lori); and daughter-in-law Kelly Pettit (wife of Bryan Pettit, deceased).

His numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the joy of his life. Grandpa’s tall tales will be fondly remembered by all.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 11:00 am, with a viewing from 9:30 - 10:30 am, at the Bloomington 6th Ward Chapel located at 3519 Manzanita, in St. George. Interment will take place immediately following the service at the Tonaquint Cemetery.

Spilsbury Mortuary