Pickaway County has lost its oldest veteran, Richard Clinton Pettit, who passed away
peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on September 23, 1927, in the
home above his family’s business, Pettit’s Tire and Appliance Store, located at the corner of
Court and Franklin Streets in Circleville. Richard was the beloved son of the late Guy and
Ruth (Frank) Pettit. From an early age, Richard (Dick), was an integral part of the family
business, where he learned the values of hard work and community from his father.
A proud member of Circleville High School’s Class of 1945, Richard began his studies at The
Ohio State University later that same year. However, his academic journey was briefly
paused in February 1946 when he answered the call to serve his country during World War
II, enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps. After completing basic training in San Antonio, Texas,
he was trained as a clerk typist and deployed to Okinawa, Japan. His overseas journey
aboard the Army transport vessel General R. M. Blatchford took him through the Panama
Canal, with stops in Hawaii before reaching his final destination in Japan.
Following his honorable discharge in April 1947, Richard returned to The Ohio State
University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in
June 1950. Guided by a strong sense of family and community, he returned to Circleville to
rejoin the family business. There, he applied his skills and dedication to assist his father at
Pettit’s Appliances, eventually assuming the role of owner and manager.
Richard’s life was profoundly enriched when he married Joanne Grove in September 1954.
Their enduring love story, which began in childhood and was rekindled in early adulthood,
blossomed into 50 cherished years of marriage marked by deep affection and unwavering
companionship.
Richard was a highly engaged and esteemed member of the Circleville community,
generously dedicating his time and expertise to numerous local organizations. He served
with commitment on the Circleville Planning and Zoning Board, the Pickaway County
Airport Authority Board, and the Circleville Retail Merchants Committee Board. His
dedication to service also included many years of volunteer work with the Berger Hospital
Gift Shop, where he reliably oversaw supply runs.
A man deeply committed to fraternal service, Richard was a devoted member of all Masonic
Orders and the Scottish Rite. He held the distinguished title of Worshipful Master and later
served as Secretary of Pickaway Lodge #23, where he was recently recognized for an
extraordinary 70 years of membership. His dedication also extended to the Aladdin Shrine
and the Shrine Patrol, where he served as Secretary and took great pride in participating in
numerous parades, including the Circleville Pumpkin Show Parade.
Beyond his community involvement, Richard had a deep passion for aviation. As an avid
private pilot, he found great joy in flying—whether piloting his Cessna or the ‘Quickie,’ an
experimental aircraft he skillfully built and flew himself.
Richard deeply enjoyed his travels, embarking on numerous memorable journeys across
the United States and beyond. He held a particular appreciation for the geology and
natural beauty of the Western U.S., including a memorable mule ride to the bottom of the
Grand Canyon—a highlight among his many adventures. For 50 years, his beloved wife,
Joanne, was his companion on these journeys. Following her passing, Richard continued to
explore the U.S. well into his 90s. One especially meaningful trip in later years was his
participation in an Honor Flight, commemorating his service in the U.S. military.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Ruth (Frank) Pettit; his stillborn
brother, James; his beloved wife, Joanne (Faye Grove) Pettit and many other friends and
extended family members. He will be deeply missed by his daughters, Leslie Pettit and Lisa
(Steve) Whitehead and his cherished grandchildren: Lindsay (Alex) Lojo, Kimberly Pettit,
Jacob Whitehead, and Joseph Whitehead. Also honoring his memory are extended family
members, friends, the beloved staff at his favorite restaurants, and Chrissy, his loyal canine
companion.
Funeral arrangements are being thoughtfully managed by Defenbaugh, Wise, Schoedinger
Funeral Home, located at 151 E. Main St. in Circleville. Visitation will be Monday, May 12 from
5:00
8:00pm with the Masonic service at 7:30. The funeral will be Tuesday, May 13 with one
hour of visitation from 10:00
11:00. The service will begin at 11:00 followed by interment at
Forest Cemetery in Circleville.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to either
the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org) or the Tunnel to Towers
Foundation (T2T.org), both of which were organizations dear to Richard’s heart.
