Willis Pettet Jr.

66 year old, Willis Pettet Jr., of Rensselaer, passed away July 23, 2024, with his loving family around him.

 On November 4, 1957, in Hammond, Indiana, Willis was born to Willis Sr., and Jennetta (Stonebreaker) Pettet-Labs. Willis was a graduate of Kankakee Valley High School, class of 1976. Willis served as a U.S. Marine for a time. He married the love of his life, Carol Tuthill, on June 4, 1988, in Jasper County, Indiana. He attended Virgie Christian Church. Willis was a member of the Local #1005. He was an avid horse rider, and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with his grandkids. He was an awesome Papa.

Willis is survived by his wife: Carol, children: W. Aaron (Michelle) Griffey, Mindy Griffey-Perzee, grandchildren: Mikayla (Josh) Gustus, Halee (Colin) Hayes, Keirstyn Allen, Maddox (Tiffany) Griffey, Elaina Allen, Mason Perzee, and great-grandson: Arlo Willis Griffey, niece: Rebecca Tuthill, siblings: Nancy Dunlap, Peggy Williams, Troy Labs, and many nieces and nephews.

Willis was preceded in death by his mother: Jennetta Pettet-Labs, and brother: George Labs.

Per Willis’ wishes, cremation will take place, and a Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.

One of Willis’ favorite expressions was:  “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”