Kenneth E. Pettit

Kenneth E. Pettit, 78, of Petersburg passed away on October 22, 2011 in Sunny Acres Nursing Home. Kenneth was born November 28, 1932 the son of Butler and Nona (Codgal) Pettit in Petersburg. He married Nelta “Nel” Adams in July of 1968 in Columbus, GA. Mr. Pettit retired from the U.S. Air Force in March of 1973, serving 20 years in Weather and U.S. Security Service career field, serving in Korea, France, Thailand and Turkey. He was employed as the internal Auditor and Compliance Officer for the National Bank of Petersburg and retired after 17 years of service. He was employed by the state of Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs from 1990-1998. Ken served 9 years as elected City Treasurer of Petersburg City Council. He was a volunteer for 20 years with the Boy Scouts of America in various positions and district council levels. He also worked with the Cub Scouts pack 54. Kenneth served 8 years on the Executive Board of the Abraham Lincoln Council B.S.R. and was a recipient of the Silver Beaver award, the highest award given to adults. He was a member of Mason’s Clinton Lodge #19 serving as Master in 1986, Worthy Patron of Petersburg Eastern Star #572 from 1985-1987, Ansar Shrine, New Salem Shrine Club and St. Alderman Commandery. Kenneth also belonged to the American Leigon Post #32 in Springfield. He was a life member of Petersburg VFW Post #6871 serving as Quartermaster for 15 years. Kenneth was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church in Petersburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Jody Austin and great-grandson Forrest D. Haney. He is survived by his wife Nel, daughter Jennie (Lee) Rademaker of Petersburg. Grandchildren Leslie Rademaker of Springfield; Darwin Rademaker of Lincoln; Patricia Craig, Elmwood; Jamey Austin of Bowling Green, KY and Monica Austin of Knoxville, TN. Great-grandchildren Kal and Kolt lawyer of Adair; Katie Rose Rademaker of Springfield; Brogan Craig of Elmwood; Haley, Holly and Hunter Austin of Bowling Green, KY. Funeral Service will be Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg with the Rev. ______ officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, October 26, 2011 from 5-7 p.m. in the funeral home and will continue from 10:00 a.m. Thursday until time of service. Burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery where Military Rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society. Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting the family.

Kenneth E. Pettit

November 28, 1932 - October 22, 2011

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