Ivan E. Pettit

Ivan Essington Pettit, 88, of Kennerdell, PA, went to be with his Lord 9:45 am on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at UPMC Northwest with loved ones by his side.

Ivan was born on April 17, 1930 in Albion, NY to the late Hugh A. and Charlotte Burr Pettit.

Ivan proudly served in the United States Navy as Fireman 1st Class, Korean Conflict from 1947 to 1951. One commission was aboard USS Coral Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, among others. Upon returning he earned a degree from Slippery Rock University. He then went on to work for Pennsylvania State Environmental Department with 25 years of service. Ivan also worked for 10 years with the Florida State DEP.

After retirement Ivan enjoyed traveling abroad and visiting with family. He volunteered for Stream preservation, the Barrow Civic Theater, in Franklin, PA., RSVP, and Venango County Promise Keepers. He was a longtime member and deacon of Hickory Grove Church and served on the Hickory Grove Cemetery Board. He also attended Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church of Franklin. He in later years took a class in Hebrew. Ivan was an avid reader of the Bible, history and special interest pieces.

On November 1, 2014 he married his wife, Mable Riddle, she survives.

In addition to his wife Ivan is survived by one son: Gordon J. Pettit, and his wife, Diana L. (Christy) of Polk; grandchildren: Jonathan S. Pettit, of Franklin, Margaret (Peggy) M. Riddle, and her husband, Anthony, of Grove City; one great-grandchild, Annaliese M. (Pettit) Millard, and her husband, Christopher, of Franklin; great-great grandchildren: Hattie A. Riddle, Aleeah M. Millard; one brother, Dean T. Pettit, of Tinley Park, Il. and his four sons, Tracy, Hugh, William and Joel; a nephew, Bud Strable, and his wife, Marilyn, of Batavia, NY.; and many other nieces and nephews; a step-son, Gary Riddle, and his wife Linda; a step-grandson, Pastor Brad (Merdeith) Riddle; a step-granddaughter, Alisha Riddle; and seven step-great grandchildren; and many other wonderful loved ones…

In addition to his parents, Ivan was proceeded in death by his first wife, Margaret L. Day Pettit in 1977, and a half-brother George Strable, of Elba, NY in 1991.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 312 W. Park Street, Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. Friday, June 8, 2018.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Brad Riddle, officiating.

Interment with full military honors rendered by the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hickory Grove Church, 145 Hickory Grove Lane, Polk, PA 16342, and Atlantic Avenue United Brethren Church, 160 Atlantic Avenue, Franklin, PA 16323.