Pettis, Gary D. 1960-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.

Gary DeWayne Pettis, 65, of St. Joseph, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, in a St. Joseph hospital. He was born March 26, 1960, in St. Joseph, son of the late Myrlie and Harry”Bill” Pettis.

He graduated from Lafayette High School, class of 1978, and married Kim Kerns, who survives of the home.

He worked at Gray Manufacturing as a Lean Manufacturing Engineer for over 45 years and was set to retire soon.

He enjoyed gardening, baseball, fishing, hunting, (especially mushroom hunting), camping, but most especially spending time with his family. He was very active in the south side community, as a member of South Side Fall Festival Committee for over 20 years, serving as the Chairman for over 15 years. He and wife Kim were the Grand Marshals of the 25 annual South Side parade. Gary was also a member of the South St. Joseph Progressive association, and the Eagles Lodge.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Dan Pettis, on March 26, 2025, and Arthur Pettis.

Survivors include wife, Kim Pettis, of the home; son, Jonathan Pettis; daughters, Erin (Kevin) Barnett, and April Pettis, all of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Kevin, Angel, Jason, and Jackson, and one great grandchild one on the way; his mother-in-law, Penney Kerns; brothers, Doug (Janice) Pettis, Terry Pettis (Jerry Smock); and his sister, Sheryl Herrod; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Rupp Funeral Home. Funeral services and public live stream; 1 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2025, at the Rupp Funeral Home, Pastor Leanna VanZandt-Nauman officiating. Memorials are requested to the Dream Factory.

Online condolence, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.