John Lawrence Pettigrew

September 19, 2019

John Lawrence Pettigrew, 98, of Sharon Springs KS passed away Saturday, September 7, 2019, at Citizens Medical Center in Colby, KS. 

J.L. was born July 12, 1921, in Monument KS, a son of Lawson and Hallie May (Foulk) Pettigrew. He married Gardiol “Betty” Gilbert Landi January 29, 1946 in Marseille France. She died December 27, 2003. 

J.L. attended the public schools of Logan and Wallace Counties. At the age of 16 he worked as a cowpuncher for W.W. Carter of Sharon Springs until his enlistment in the Army in 1942. During WWII J.L. was assigned to the 73rd military police company and served in both the Rome-Arno and Central Europe campaigns. He was awarded the World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Ribbon and Two Bronze Service Stars. Upon discharge from the military J.L. once again returned to Wallace Co. In 1950 he and his wife Betty took up residence north and east of Wallace where they ranched, farmed and began a family. Although he never stopped being a cattle rancher and farmer, the family moved to Sharon Springs in 1957. J.L. worked for the Wallace County Road Department from Oct 1958 until his retirement in July of 1985. He was an active member of the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church and the VFW.  

His life will forever be cherished in the lives of his children; daughter, Mona Peck of Dighton, KS, son, Mike Pettigrew of Sharon Springs. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Michelle Peck of Springfield, OR, Brandee, and Alan Berndt of Dighton, KS, Justin Peck, and Peter Wiebe of Portland, OR, Michael, and Tori Pettigrew of Cascade County, MT, and Holly Pettigrew of Cheyenne, WY, and great-grandchildren; Breanna, Maelyn, and Axton Berndt of Dighton, KS and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, a brother Wayne, son-in-law Greg Peck, and a sister Betty Pettigrew.

J.L. was much loved and will be missed by his family and friends. Everyone who knows him has a story to tell about him. His boots will be hard to fill.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM MT Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Sharon Springs with Rev. Paul McNall and Pastor Galen Crippen officiating. Burial will follow in Sharon Springs cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM MT on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Koons-Russell Funeral Home Sharon Springs.

Memorials may be designated to the Sharon Springs United Methodist Church and may be left at the services or mailed to Koons-Russell Funeral Home, 211 N. Main Ave., Goodland, KS 67735.

Online condolences for the family may be left at www.koonsrussellfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services have been entrusted to Koons-Russell Funeral Home in Sharon Springs, KS.