Monty Pettis

Monty Pettis, age 49, of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, January 4, 2011, at the Cass County Hospice Center in Atlantic. Monty Glenn Pettis was born in St. Joseph, Missouri to Robert E. and Patricia A. (Biddle) Pettis on March 21, 1961. He attended school in St. Joseph graduating from Benton High School. On August 27, 1979, Monty entered the Navy and served until August 26, 1983. He attended aviation school and during his service Monty received the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. In 1983 he transferred to inactive reserve. Monty was married to Brenda Cochran and they were blessed with two children. They were later divorced. After the service, Monty became a commercial pilot working in the aerial applicator industry. He was an A & P mechanic certified by FAA and was the owner of Pettis Ag Aviation, LLC. Monty's great love was flying and playing poker. He was a member of the Missouri Air National Guard, the Masonic Lodge in St. Joseph, MO and the Elks Lodge #0445. Monty was also the secretary treasurer of the Iowa Aerial Applicator Association. He is survived by his parents, Robert and Patricia Pettis, of Atlantic, IA; a son, Dathan G. Pettis of St. Joseph, MO; a daughter, Cayleigh P. E. Pettis of St. Joseph, MO, sisters, Laurie Brown and husband Jerry and Kim Bally and husband Jimmy, both of St. Joseph, MO; a special friend, Tracey Marshall, of Atlantic, IA., and many nieces, nephews and friends. Monty is preceded in death by his grandparents, Pauline and Owen Dwyer, Betty Knight and Glen E. Pettis; and an uncle, John R. Smith.Funeral Information There will be an open visitation at the Roland Funeral Home daily from 8:00 to 5:00 with a family visitation Thursday evening, January 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will also be a visitation with the family Friday evening, January 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Meierhoffer Funeral Home in St. Joseph, MO where services for Monty will be held on Saturday, January 8, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in St. Joseph, MO. The family would like donations be given to the Helen Welter Foundation located at 1006 SW 7th Street, Atlantic, Iowa. Condolences for the family may be left on the Roland Funeral Home website at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.