HARLINGEN — Dyer Wythul Pettijohn
Beloved father and brother went to meet the Lord on November 18, 2009, following a valiant battle with congenital heart failure. He died peacefully with family by his side at Golden Palms at the age of 87. Dyer was born in Melba, Idaho, on April 9, 1922, the second son of loving parents, Hilda Moore and Ross Jacob Pettijohn.
He is survived by his children, Beth (Bill) Suter and William (Pam) Pettijohn, grandchildren, Scott Suter, Jennifer Suter, Stacey Siebert Banks, Doug Banks, Lindsay Pettijohn, Michael (Bekah) Pettijohn and two great-granddaughters, Draik and Demy Banks. His loving sisters, Dorothy Johnson, Martha (Jess) Morrise, Anne (Dave) Tomlinson and his loving brothers, Bob (Cathy) and Victor (Nancy) Pettijohn also survive him.
Dyer was a tenth generation American-born Pettijohn. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ross Pettijohn and two wonderful wives, Rosebeth Ramey Pettijohn, who was the mother of his children, and Margaret Wood Pettijohn, who brought him into another large, loving family including Margaret’s children, Vickie Wood Cook and Hugh Wood, with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Dyer grew up in the small town of Melba, Idaho, and his life was steeped in the love of a close-knit family. There he learned important lessons that served him well throughout his life. He was a model of good and kind behavior, responsibility, charity, and above all, devotion to God, Family, and Country.
Dyer followed a time-honored family tradition of military service. His ancestors served in the militia in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I and during WW2. Dyer followed his older brother Ross into the Army. His brother Bob also served in this time of war, giving the family three sons to pray for. While stationed in Texas, Dyer was instructed to drive a truck to pick up some lovely young church-going girls to take them to a USO event, where he met Rosebeth, his first true sweetheart. They married before he left to serve his country in France and Germany.
Safely returning from the war, he and his family settled in Texas, and he began a long career with Texas Gulf Sulfur. He and Rosebeth raised two children together, and they had a long, happy marriage until Rosebeth was overcome with cancer.
Following her death, Dyer eventually married Margaret Wood, who was a long-time family friend. Margaret and Dyer also had a long, happy marriage, which unfortunately ended when she lost her fourth and fatal major battle with cancer. The family remembers the devotion and service Dyer selflessly gave to each of his wives, even to death’s door.
His moving to Harlingen began the final chapter of his life, when he was surrounded by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His personal interests included model-ship building and woodworking. He generously shared his handiwork with countless friends and family. Dyer found his church home at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, where he made many friends, including his special friend, Jane Taylor. Although his health became a real challenge to him, Dyer was attended by extremely gifted and dedicated doctors, who faithfully sustained him, giving him several years of extra time with his family and friends.
The family will remember Dr. Donald Roa and Dr. Edward Oorgitham for their devotion to our Dad. Further the staff at Canterbury Court, as well as the health care unit at Golden Palms is commended for their loving kindness and professional care.
A memorial service will be held at St. Alban’s Church on Sunday, November 22 at 4 PM, with Rev. Judy Sessions, officiating.
Interment will be in Wharton, Texas at a later date.
The family invites you to sign the online guestbook or leave a memory at www.buck-ashcraft.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home, Harlingen, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the St. Alban’s Memorial Fund 1417 E. Austin Harlingen, Texas 78550 or the charity of your choice.
Sign the guestbook at: http://legacy.com/Valleystar/Obituaries.asp
