Percy Jarman Pettus

Percy Jarman Pettus, 96, of Gonzales, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020. Percy was born June 10, 1923 in Gonzales County to William Thomas and Kate Cobb Pettus. He married Arline Gescheidle in June of 1948 at the First Baptist Church in Gonzales, a marriage that would celebrate 71 years of loving devotion. Percy was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

Percy graduated from Gonzales High School and went directly into the U.S. Army in response to WWII. After his honorable discharge Percy came back to Gonzales County to work on the family ranch and marry Arline Gescheidle.

Percy raised cross-bred cattle and worked hard, committed to his life’s calling as a rancher. He was a solid man in word and stature. He was a devout Christian, he lived the word of God and worshipped faithfully every Sunday until failing health prevented him from attending regularly.

Though soft spoken, Percy had a quick wit and a dry sense of humor. He enjoyed dining out with his wife and friends. There was a time he enjoyed fishing, but the hours required to meet the needs of his responsibilities on the ranch consumed what little time he had for other interests.

Percy is survived by his adoring wife, Arline Gescheidle Pettus, nephews, Tom Clark, David Pettus, Harry Pettus, Warren Pettus Jr. and Jim Dickinson, nieces, Patricia Pettus Caraway, Virginia Pettus Tidwell, and Sharon Pettus Fitts. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, William (Bill) Pettus, Sam Pettus and Warren Pettus, sisters, Georgia Pettus Clark and Virginia Pettus Dickinson Brown. He was also preceded in death by nephews, Donald Clark and William (Buck) Pettus and nieces, June Clark Jansen, Joan Clark Manning, Janice Dickinson Lester and Laura Pettus Neighbors.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21, 2020 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020 in Seydler-Hill Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Matt Pennington officiating. Interment will follow in the Gonzales Masonic Cemetery. Pallbearers: Kelly Allen, Tom Lester, Tim Gescheidle, Buddy Lester, Jon Dickinson and Todd Dickinson. Honorary pallbearer: Pal Lester. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund. Friends may leave their condolences by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.