Bryan DeMart

Pettit

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IN LOVING MEMORY

Bryan DeMart Pettit

Feb 22 1922 - Mar 31 2015

Bryan DeMart Pettit was born February 22, 1922, in Memphis, Missouri, to Allie Irene Byrd Pettit and Warren Bryan "Buck" Pettit. He was brother to Juanita “Sarge” Pettit Bane. He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Laura Jean “Lollipop” Pettit.

Bryan DeMart is survived by his children and their spouses, Marta and Gary Caldwell, Linda and Terry Steinhebel, Michael and Sandy Pettit and Jeff and Pat Pettit. He leaves behind eleven grandchildren: Michelle Rinearson-Ferris & David Rinearson;

Lara Steinhebel-Ratelle, Kelly Steinhebel, Kate Steinhebel & Tricia Steinhebel;

Bryan Pettit & Samantha Pettit; and Jennifer Pettit-Tawney, Morgan Pettit & Marcus Pettit; and ten great-grandchildren: Calvin Pettitt, Grace Rinearson, Gus Ferris, Henry Ferris, Allie Tawney, Ragan Tawney, Lauren Tawney, Aedon, Jase, and Mianna and one great-great granddaughter: Addy.

Bryan was lucky enough to marry the love of his life in 1947 after returning from a tour of duty overseas as a medic in the United States Army during World War II. His service to his country earned him a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in a combat zone, and for the recognition of his 88 days of captivity in Germany he was awarded a Prisoner of War Medal. After serving in the Army, he studied art, art history and interior design at the University of Oklahoma. He continued throughout his life to read voraciously about art, archeology, science, and cars and enjoyed devouring novels about espionage and military intrigue.

Bryan supported his young family in Kansas City, KS, working as a buyer for a local men’s clothing store. Tall, dark and handsome, he often modeled clothing for the store’s newspaper advertisements. When life required a move to Plano, he managed several area Al’s Formal Wear locations until his retirement in 1987. He remained an impeccable dresser with a keen eye for classic style, his favorite colors being shades of blue accented with splashes of yellow.

Bryan was well known for sharing his opinions and thoughts to all who would listen, willingly or not. He was mischievous – a real teaser – and most interested in spoken wordplay. His repartee was meant to engage and draw a laugh; he loved the attention. Many will remember humorous and sometimes audacious stories shared after many a family dinner where he would hold court from the head of the table.

Bryan loved his family. He was always quick to give an enthusiastic greeting to friends and family, especially children when they entered his home, usually using a term of endearment, “Hi, Sugar!” He carried hard candy in his pockets to share – Werther’s being his favorite. Bryan will be remembered for his generosity – he was always willing to help anyone in need, often offering the sweater from his shoulders.

Bryan was loved by his family. Embraced for who he was, friends and family will miss him dearly.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 3, 2015, at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.  The family will receive friends during a visitation from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., Thursday evening at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas.

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Memorials

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