Richard Pettitt

Edwin Richard Pettitt

06/10/1946 - 09/29/2023

On Friday, September 29th, 2023 our beloved father, grandpa (Pappa), husband, brother, uncle, and friend passed peacefully from this life and onto his next journey. Richard was an incredible man who touched so many lives with his service, compassion, and generosity. He deeply loved Jesus and his family, and had a warm smile for anyone he came across. He had been shackled by a failing body for several years and since his beloved Donna passed in July this year, his decline was rapid. Hence his departure from this life is very bitter-sweet.

Richard was born June 10th, 1946 to goodly, God-loving parents in Washington D.C. He spent most of his youthful life in Hammond, Louisiana and Gillsburg, Mississippi, where he learned the value of hard work at a young age. He graduated from Hammond High in 1964. During his youth he and his family became converts of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After high school, Richard served a mission for his church amongst the Native American people in the Dakotas and Montana in what was then the Northern Indian Mission. These years were some of the most cherished of his life and the Sioux and Crow Tribes there fell in love with him. After his missionary service he was employed on a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration exploratory vessel as a Cook. He loved learning that trade and was able to see so much of the world during those couple of years. When he returned home, he enrolled at Southeastern Louisiana University where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. There he met his wife and eternal companion, Donna. Donna spent every day of her life loving and supporting him through her final days, including spending nearly every day at his bedside over the last couple of years. Donna and Richard moved to Utah with their daughter and granddaughter in 2013 to be closer to their boys and grandkids.

Richard was an amazing mechanical mind. He never met anything he couldn't take apart and fix. He spent 40 plus years working as a mechanic and service manager. He worked with Mack Trucks, with his brother-in-law Ken's service shop, and many years at Audubon Ford and Robinson Brother's Lincoln in Baton Rouge. He was Mr. Fix-it in every way. If people needed something fixed, he was their first call. He was a mechanical genius, ever hard working at his craft. He was a leader and garnered the admiration and respect of his colleagues. Even more importantly he was a servant of God in many callings and capacities throughout his life. He served many years in the Bishopric and as Bishop of Walker Ward, Denham Springs, LA Stake. Through his service he touched countless lives.

Richard is preceded in death by his father, Beria Erwin, mother, Esther Ruth, brother-in-law, Kenneth Jordan, sister-in-law, Josette, and wife, Donna. He is survived by his brothers, Thomas ((Josette (d.)) and Timothy (Liana), sister, Patricia Jordan ((Kenneth (d.)), his children, David (Becka), Eric (LaDawn), and Ashley, and 7 grandchildren.

Richard may be gone but will never be forgotten. His patience, kindness, and selflessness are unmatched. He truly lived to serve and his unconditional love, fun personality, and infectious smile will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him.

Our family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time. We are eternally grateful for the time we were able to spend with him and we will carry his legacy forward in all that we do. May he be at peace in the arms of the Lord and those who have gone before, till we meet at Jesus' feet.

Rest In Peace, Dad! Give Mom a hug for us and know that we love and miss you!

Funeral Service will be held Thursday, October 5th 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at McDougal Funeral Home 4330 South Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, UT. Interment to follow at 1:00 at the West Jordan City Cemetery, 7800 South 1300 West, West Jordan, UT.