Walter Francis Pettigrew's Obituary
Walter Francis Pettigrew was called home on Thursday, January 4, 2024, where he joined his mother, Margarette Weis Pettigrew, his father Walter Francis Pettigrew, Sr., and his little sister Mary Louise Pettigrew. He was also proceeded in death by many beloved family members and dear friends. What a reunion it must have been.
Walter leaves behind his high-school sweetheart and precious wife just shy of 58 years, Sandy Sue Pettigrew. Survivors also include his son, Yancey Pettigrew and wife, Wednesday; daughter Alisha Pettigrew Gourley and husband, Stephen and four grandchildren, Lacey, Jaxon, Keeley and Penelope.
Walter entered this world on June 14, 1944, into the arms of his parents. He was a proud Army veteran serving our country immediately upon graduating high school until 1970. He married the love of his life in 1966 and together they raised their family including their adored animals. Walter worked as a welder at Nooter Corporation in St. Louis, MO until February 1972 when he moved with his wife and son to Bentonville, AR to join his in-laws. He owned Quality Painting, a house painting company for over 40 years and loved every customer and treated them like family. He wasn’t ready to retire but a back injury kept him from working full-time so he kept himself busy helping others with projects.
Walter was a great storyteller. He remembered everything with precise detail and loved sharing his experiences. He could talk to anyone about almost anything and for as long as you wanted…and then some.
Walter was a faithful, hard-working, and honest man. If you needed help, he was your guy. He always saw the good in people, but if you didn’t want to know the truth, then you shouldn’t have asked.
Walter was a family man. He provided a good life and endless support. He cheered at countless baseball games and coached both his children’s teams and one granddaughter’s team alongside his daughter-in-law. He brought flowers to every dance recital and loved seeing the marching band perform. He chaperoned many activities including Church Youth Group and mission trips, the Bentonville swim team, multiple baseball teams and joined his wife on her school field trips to the Ozark Natural Science Center.
He faithfully attended church his entire life and over the years held many positions including Deacon, Elder, Board Member, Property and Building Committees and more. His kids especially enjoyed Walter running the lights and sound system at First Christian Church DOC in Bentonville as they had the back pew reserved each Sunday for the Pettigrew’s’ and their friends. Walter also recorded the sermon for those who could not attend service and brought communion to shut-ins.
To know Walter, was to love Walter.
Walter enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends. He would tell you not to make a fuss over him, but in reality, he loved being the center of attention. Help us celebrate this amazing man one last time.
Visitation will be held from 5 until 7 PM on Thursday January 11 at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Rogers. Celebration of Life will be held at 10 AM on Friday, January 12 in the sanctuary of Millwood Christian Church in Rogers with Dr. Jim Moore officiating. Graveside Services will be held at 3 PM at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery (415 North St. Louis) in Joplin, MO.
Walter loved fresh flowers. He often cut a single flower from his own yard to wear to church on Sundays. In lieu of funeral flowers, you may honor Walter by donating in his memory to Wreaths Across America to honor veterans with a living wreath.
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