Roland Dwight “Ron” Pettit, 87, of North Platte, passed away April 4, 2023 at Great Plains Health. He was born April 22, 1935 to Clifford and Elizabeth “Betty” (Musil) Pettit in Kearney, NE.
Ron was baptized at age 12. He started working at age 13, setting pins at Kearney Bowling Alley, Kearney Drug Store, and Pat’s Bootery. Ron graduated from Kearney High School with the class of 1952.
After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army. He was active from 1953-1956, in the Reserves from 1956-1966, then active again from 1966-1985. Ron was in the Secret Service from 1976-1985. While in the military he won many awards and medals which included two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. He also received the Quilt of Valor. Ron lived in many places during his military career and they included Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Germany France and Vietnam.
Survivors include daughters, Rhonda L. Traver, Brenda (Randy Paul) Smith, Cathi Murphy; son, Bill (Brenda Ewing) Pettit; grandchildren, Dana (Travis) Brantley, Haleigh (Jason) Boss, Matthew (Jess) Smith, Jessica (Adam) Stouffer; great grandchildren, Shawn, Tim, Mataiya, Kai, River, Forest, Addison, Olivia, Kameron, Sarah, Josie; sister, Barb Gragg; nieces and nephews, Jim, Todd, Jerry, Nancy, Peg, Rick, Rock and all their families.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Betty; brother, Darrell Pettit, children, Ron Pettit, Debra Joann; granddaughter, Jenny Rosenburg; brother-in-law, Art Gragg; sister-in-law, Judy Pettit.
Services will be held 11:30 A.M., Monday, April 10, 2023 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Brett Hathaway officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.
Visitation will be held, noon-7:00 P.M., with family present 5:00-7:00, Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.