Lester "Hatch" Pettijohn

Lester Pettijohn

Lester Harold "Hatch" Pettijohn, 94, of Litchfield passed away Sunday September 7, 2014 at 1:38 am at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, IL.

Lester was born on January 3, 1920 in Litchfield, IL, a son of Charles and Chloe (Bailey) Pettijohn. Lester married Donnis Slightom on January 11, 1944 at Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield, IL.

Lester was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in World War II.

Lester started his work career at American Radiator in Litchfield.  He spent the next 40 years at Blatter Motors as a shop manager.  He had great pride in providing excellent service to his customers.  Hatch retired from Blatter Motors in 1985.  He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church of Litchfield where he served as Deacon, sang with the choir, and performed many solos.  He loved working in his garden, flower beds, and lawn. 

His greatest love was his wife, Donnis.

Lester  is survived by:

two daughters, Sharon J. (John) Hill of Bay City, MI, Gloria (Ron Peters) Pettijohn of Eureka, MO; two foster sons, John (Kris) Aber of Wright City, MO, Gene (Debbie) Aber of Gillespie, IL; three granddaughters, Laura Alms of Denver, CO, Shauna Bezilla of Harbor Springs, MI, Krista Pfeiffer of Dearborn, MI; grandson, Ryan Hermsmeyer of Wildwood, MO;

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife (2011), 6 siblings: Taylor Pettijohn, Carl Pettijohn, Irene Blatter,
Clara Martin, Emma Morrissey, William Pettijohn, and Lewis Pettijohn, and 4 half siblings.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2014 at 10:00 am at New Hope Baptist Church on Barnett Road.  Rev. Roy Eller, pastor from the New Hope Baptist Church will officiate.  Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2014 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Litchfield Family Funeral Service 700 South State Street, Litchfield, IL.

Memorials may be directed to New Hope Baptist Church-New Window Fund.

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