Franklin Leon Petty

Franklin Leon Petty, 68, the owner and operator of Frank Petty Motors in Nevada, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2013, at Mercy Hospital, in Joplin, Mo. He was born Feb. 13, 1945, in Bloomington, Ind., to Vernon Leslie Petty and Betty Joyce (Rife) Petty.

Frank graduated from Metz High School in 1963. Throughout his life he worked as a truck driver -- for a time for Howard McKee, then worked for Duffy Construction, and owned his own business since March 3, 1968, as an ASE certified mechanic. People came from miles around for him to work on their carburetors.

Frank was currently a member of the BPOE Elks Lodge No. 564, in Nevada, and a NRA member. He had also served as an auxiliary deputy sheriff in the past. Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding four wheelers in his spare time. His hobbies included rebuilding guns and cars.

Survivors include one son, Thomas Frank Petty, Nevada; three sisters, Marilyn June Gully and Raymond, Vicki D. Petty, and Judith L. Bland, all of Springfield, Mo.; aunts and uncles, Sheila Hogan and Danny, Brenda Eads and Burton, Jack Rife and Mary, Carol Cain, Sue Martin and Kelsie, Lois Hillenburg and Galis; nieces and nephews, Edward Bland, Shelly Householder, Darwin Bland, Lyndsey Davenport, and Jay Bland; and 11 great-nieces and -nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one great-nephew, Landan Bland.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 3, at Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada, with the Rev. Harlan Forkner officiating. Interment will follow in Balltown Cemetery, Horton, Mo. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Jan. 2, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

Contributions may be made to Landan's LegOcy in care of Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.