Obituary: Dean Petit
Dean Pettit was born on March 8, 1947, to Earl and Esther Pettit in Greenfield, Iowa. He attended school in Menlo and grew up alongside his siblings, brothers Donnie, Bill, and sister Bonnie.
Dean graduated from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri, where he earned a degree in education. He began his teaching career in Sheridan, Missouri, where he met the love of his life, Debbie Davis, while staying at her grandparents’ home. Dean went on to teach in Sheridan, Grant City, and Albany, Missouri, as well as Diagonal and Kellerton, Iowa.
After his years in education, Dean found great joy working as a casino dealer in Osceola, Iowa. Known for his remarkable memory, he never forgot a face or a name if he met someone even once.
Dean and Debbie were united in marriage and made their home in Mount Ayr, Iowa, where they raised their family. They shared 53 loving years of marriage together.
In his free time, Dean especially loved coon hunting with his blue tick hound dogs, a passion few could rival. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing, and caring for his farm animals, which included cows, coon dogs, chickens, cats, and more. He eagerly awaited the first mushroom of every season. He also spent a lot of time building fences when he wasn’t teaching.
Dean had a big heart and a wide circle of friends and would do anything he could for each and every one of them. He took many children under his wing and loved them like his own.
Dean passed away with family by his side on January 25, 2026. He is preceded in death by his parents Earl and Esther Pettit and brothers Donnie and Bill.
He is survived by his wife Debbie Pettit; his sister Bonnie Neitz, his five children: Shalene (Todd) Wilmes of St. Joseph, Missouri; Matthew Pettit of Woodburn, Iowa; Ginger (Christian) Darrone of Cochranville, Pennsylvania; Clay Pettit of Creston, Iowa; and Cain (partner John Michael) Pettit of Tacoma, Washington; one bonus child: Kenneth (Kerri) Jones of Creston, Iowa; eight grandchildren: Danielle Wilmes, Kaycie Wilmes, Caylee Pettit, Trinity Wilmes, Delaney Pettit, Jace Pettit, Ethan Darrone, and Mason Darrone; and three great-grandchildren: Ryan, Luna, and Declan; and several nieces and nephews.
Dean will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and friends.
Visitation will be held at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. with a service beginning at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided by the family.
