Hershell O. Petty

Hershell O. Petty, 83 of Las Cruces, NM passed away at his home on Friday, January 6, 2012. He was born on May 8, 1928 in Corsicana, Texas to Roy Petty and Cara Grace. Hershell served in the Air Force from 1948 to 1952. After being discharged from the service he founded and managed a machine shop in Redondo Beach, CA. 7 years later he moved to Las Cruces where he worked as the credit manager for Woodward Lumber Company prior to going into business for himself in real estate. Hershell was an avid vegetable gardener, providing tomatoes, chilies, jalapenos, and peppers for his entire neighborhood. He was also an enthusiastic football fan and managed the neighborhood football pool each season. He is survived by one daughter: Jean Mann of Edgewood, NM; six sons: Hershell ("Butch") Petty Jr., Philip Petty, Steve Petty - all of San Jose, CA, Billy Petty of Raleigh, NC, Phillip Mills of San Juan Bautista, CA and David Mills of Richfield, UT. Also surviving him are 10 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Hershell was preceded in death by his wife, Helen of 43 years, all three of his siblings, Earl, Roy, and Tiny Jean, and his grandson Donnie Bryant. Funeral Services will be held at Getz Funeral Home at 1410 E. Bowman Avenue at 10am with public viewing starting at 9:00am on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 with Pastor Lyle Lionbarger officiating. A military burial service will follow at the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM 88005. PDF Printable Version