Frank Walter Pettit
1944 – 2024
Frank Walter Pettit graduated to his heavenly home on Wednesday, February 8th holding his wife Kathy’s hand, listening to spiritual music by Jenny Oaks Baker. He was a warrior in this life with the challenges he faced. He was able to spend his last 30 days at home, with the help of Gunnison Hospice and the love and support of his wife, children and grandchildren. He was fortunate to live in such a wonderful community, where the sweet neighbors visited him and brought delicious meals for the family.
Frank was born on June 15, 1944 in Salt Lake City, Utah. Frank married Kathryn Lee Gregerson on September 17, 1971 in Taylorsville, Utah. Their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1977. Due to Frank’s great example, he was able to convert Kathy and baptize her at the Tabernacle. Due to that conversion, they went to the temple and enjoyed living the gospel from that point forward.
Frank is survived by his children Keith (Sherry) of Tomball, Texas; Eric (Whitney) of West Jordan, Utah and Toni Kay (Doug) Montrose of Lehi, Utah. Grandchildren: Keilly Pettit, Johnny Pettit, Isabella Pettit, Coen Roewe, Riley Roewe, Kailey Huntington, Morgan Pettit, Jackson Pettit, Tyler Pettit, Samuel Pettit, Jake Pettit, Avery Pettit, Ethan Montrose, McKenzie Montrose, Chase Montrose, Garrett Montrose and Carter Montrose.
Frank is survived by his siblings Errol Lester Pettit, Sherrol (David) Armstrong, Lin (Mel) Milgrom.
He is preceded in death by his brother John Pettit and parents Errol Leroy Pettit and Irene Davis Pettit.
Frank served four years in the U. S. Navy. Most of his time was aboard the U.S.S. Carp. He retired as a Firefighter and EMT from the Salt Lake City Fire Department.
Frank was a man of many talents. He used to joke that he was a “jack of all trades and a master of none.” His family would disagree with that. He has played the banjo, fiddle and piano. He was a talented woodworker, making benches, tables, stairs, counters and walls. He could also do electrical work, plumbing, welding, fixing cars, cooking and gardening. Frank loved the outdoors and camping.
For the last few years working for the Fire Department, Frank rode his mountain bike to work from our home in Riverton, Utah to the Fire Station at the Salt Lake City Airport. The family has fond memories of playing Racquetball with Frank at the Fire Station, sitting in the fire truck and watching the planes land at the airport. He knew every plane that came in for a landing and always pointed that out to us. He always shared his many skills with his children and grand-children. Frank was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He worked as a Ward Librarian, Primary Teacher, Scouting Committee Chairman, Ward Clerk, Family History Consultant and other callings while living in Sandy, West Jordan and Riverton, Utah, He loved serving people and going to the Temple.
On Saturday, February 17, 2024, we will have a gathering of friends and family from 11:00am to 12:00pm in the Aurora 1st Ward Relief Society Room. Afterward, the family will gather for personal stories about Frank.
Burial will be in the Aurora Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
