Frank Junior Petty, 67, died Nov. 4, 1994 at his home in St. George of cancer and liver failure.
Born Nov. 28, 1926, in Cedar City, to Dr. Frank H. and Bertha Cottam Petty. He married Wilma Siggard on June 5, 1950, in the Logan LDS Temple.He was a 1945 graduate of Cedar High School and received a B.S. from the College of Southern Utah in 1964. He lived in Cedar City until retiring to St. George in 1987.
Frank's life exemplified the principle of service to his fellow man. He loved people and people loved him. He served as Postmaster of Cedar City from 1965 until retiring in 1987. Prior to that, he worked as a Pharmacist's Mate in the Navy during World War II, operated the Cedar Frozen Foods and Grocery for 16 years, and taught at Beryl Valley Elementary School for one year. For the last few years of his life, Frank enjoyed managing the post office at Hurst's Store in St. George, where he delighted in visiting with his many friends and acquaintances.
For 16 years, Frank served as an officer of the National Association of Postmasters (NAPUS). He was honored as Utah's Outstanding Postmaster in 1982. He was elected to the Cedar City Council and remained for eight years. He was Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, a charter member of the Kiwanis Club, and worked for many years with the Cedar City Music Arts Committee and the Rotary Club.
Frank was very proud of his family and his pioneer heritage. He enjoyed two terms as president of the Cedar City Sons of the Utah Pioneers and was a member of the Hurricane Chapter of SUP. He was also a member of the Historical Society of both Cedar City and St. George. He served on the Washington County Council on Aging, and volunteered with the Senior Citizen's Center. He very much enjoyed hosting tours for senior citizens.
He grew up in the shadow of "Old Main" and had a lifelong commitment to education and Southern Utah University, serving twice as Alumni President of BAC and CSU (now SUU). Also worked on the Institutional Council, and was appointed by the Governor to six years on the Utah State Board of Regents. Received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1984; also honored with the Distinguished Service Award from SUU.
Frank was always active in the LDS Church, serving in two Bishoprics as counselor, Bishop of the Cedar City 10th Ward, President of the Young Men's organization, and member of the Cedar Stake High Council. He served for five years in the Family History and Name Extraction Program and was an active High Priest in the St. George 15th Ward. He loved children and his favorite calling was as a Primary Teacher.
Survivors include his wife, Wilma, children, Artis and Lionel Grady of Cedar City; Frank S. and Beth Petty of Beavercreek, Ohio; Elizabeth and Jim Bell of Tyler, Texas; David S. and Kristy Petty of Bullhead City, Arizona; and Clarence and Terri Petty of Round Mountain, Nevada.
Frank's foster children include Mary and Janet Livingston of Brigham City, Utah; Charlotte Pittard of Portland, Oregon; Homer and Sandra Pittard of Woodstock, Georgia; and Craig and Debbie Burrows of Littleton, Colorado.
Frank is also survived by sisters, Bea (Mrs. C.H.) Shaw of Alexandria, Virginia; and Patricia (Mrs. Dan) Magleby, of Harrisburg (Leeds), Utah; and 15 grandchildren who were the joy of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Reed and Acil Petty, and sister, Leora P. George.
It was Frank's wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a scholarship fund in his name at Southern Utah University.
A viewing will be held in St. George Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary; and in Cedar City at Southern Utah Mortuary on Thursday, 6-8:30 p.m. and from 10-12 a.m. on Friday. Funeral services will be in the Cedar Stake Center (100 East 400 So.) at 1 p.m. Interment, Cedar City Cemetery.
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