Russell J. Pettis

Russell J. Pettis, age 86 of East Springfield, Pa., went home to be with the lord on Saturday morning, November 23, 2013 at the Veteran’s Administration Medical Center, Erie, Pa. Russell was born in Jamestown, NY on March 14, 1927, the son of the late Earl and Goldie (Davis) Pettis. Russ was well known in the area for working on cars doing body repair, painting and mechanics. He also repaired lashers on the horse farm. He served during WW 2 in the U.S. Navy on the USS Louisville and was a member of the Federated Church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #304 in Albion and the West Springfield VFW Post #4965 and the American Legion in Girard. Besides his parents, Russ is preceded in death by his wife, Betty Beatty on May 6, 2000 whom he married on March 7, 1946 and an infant brother, Eugene Pettis. Russ is survived by five children: Valerie J. Stefan (Richard) of West Springfield, Pa., Colleen J. McGuire (William) of Ashville, AL, Dennis J. Pettis (Renee) of Lake City, Pa., Jeffery J. Petis (Kelly) of West Springfield, Pa., and Tammie J. Barlow (David) of Oklahoma, OK. A brother, Robert E. Pettis (Betty) of Camp Andover, OH. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren. A Celebration of his Life will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. at the Federated Church, officiated by Dr. Ed Huntley. Burial will be in Springfield Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to the Federated Church, P.O. Box 158, East Springfield, PA 16411 Arrangements are being handled by the Jean Evans Thompson Funeral Home in East Springfield, Pa.