Richard Hayden "Dick" Petty, 75, of Mount Vernon, died at 11:58 AM Tuesday, August 28, 2012, at the Kobacker House, Columbus.
He was born in Fletcher on November 16, 1936, a son of the late Raymond and Mary Weigman Petty. He was also preceded in death by five brothers and one sister.
Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy Sidesinger Petty, whom he married on May 22, 1954, in Hagerstown, Indiana, three children, Mike Petty of Mount Vernon, Rick (Marilyn) Petty of Bellefontaine and Connie (Dave) McNeal of Delaware; a brother, Don (Ellen) Petty of Erlanger, KY; a sister, Virginia (Leonard) Dinovo of Bellefontaine; four grandchildren, Bethany (David) Baldwin, Robin McNeal, Daniel (Martha) Petty and Brian (Jenaye) McNeal; and six great-grandchildren who loved to visit great grandpa's farm.
After working as a farmer, he entered the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, where he retired as a Lieutenant from the Ashland Post. He and Dorothy then retired to Mt. Vernon, with Dick enjoying his days working on their small 40 acre farm.
He loved his family, spending time with friends and neighbors who stopped by to say hello, and leading music for the Volunteer Choir at the United Methodist Ebenezer Church, where he was a member. He also enjoyed the fun of giving farm produce (and Dorothy's famous brownies) to those who visited.
Dick will forever be remembered for his love of "hootenannys", getting "swarped" in a good euchre game, his Farmall tractor and hayrides, his bib overalls and his love for family and friends.
Rick Petty will conduct a celebration of life service for his father at 3 p.m. on Friday, August 31, 2012 at Grace Chapel Church, West Liberty, where calling will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. There will also be a memorial service on Sunday, September 2, 2012 at 4p.m. at the Ebenezer Church in Mount Vernon.
The family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Kobacker House, Columbus.
Condolences may be expressed at www.timeformemory.com/madden
