Robert William "Bob" Petts

Robert William "Bob" Petts, 86, of Battle Creek, Michigan died peacefully at home on Saturday, August 9, 2014.

Bob was born January 19, 1928, in Ypsilanti, Michigan to Arthur and Myrtle F. (McCune) Petts. He grew up in Bellevue and was a 1945 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Bob served with the U.S. Navy out of the Great Lakes, IL Command Center. He retired from Clark Equipment Company in 1984 after 31 years of faithful employment. Previous to that he was employed at Grand Trunk Western Railroad for ten years.

Bob was united in marriage to the former Donelda Jean Winans on Valentine's Day 1948. Bob was preceded in death by Donelda, his wife of 59 years on August 13, 2007. Surviving are his children, Diana J. (Charles W.) Perry of Ceresco, Brian T. (Sandra) Petts of Battle Creek, Sherral S. (William) Saxman of Battle Creek, Dale G. (Kat) Petts of Bedford, NH; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife, Bob was also preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Karen Petts and a sister, Alice Umphfres.

Bob was member of the Clark 25 Year Club. He enjoyed traveling, building and remodeling for his family, arts, and silversmith projects. Bob loved helping his family and anyone in need throughout his life. He was deeply dedicated and devoted to his deceased wife, to his family, his friends, humankind and his church.

Friends will be received at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, where funeral services will be officiated by Rev. Robert G. Muirhead 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 14, 2014. Military honors and interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.