John Wilson Rettig Jr.

1918 - 2015

John Wilson Rettig, Jr.

LAFAYETTE - A Celebration of John's Life will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 2 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2015 for John Wilson Rettig, Jr., 96, devoted husband, father, and grandfather, passed away December 31, 2014, in Lafayette after a brief illness.

Reverend Zach Sasser, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Lafayette, will officiate.

John was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on September 18, 1918. He attended several schools as his father was a lease broker and abstractor. He graduated from Midland High School in Texas where he lettered in football. Their football team won the District championship and the team was rewarded by local supporters with a train trip to the Rose Bowl. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Texas in Austin. When the United States entered World War II, John immediately enlisted in the United States Navy and served for five years as a Gunnery Officer on the Destroyer USS Johnny Hutchins. He was awarded a Bronze Star for his meritorious service during operations against enemy Japanese forces in Western Pacific on August 9, 1945. After the war, he resumed his studies at the University of Texas. He loved Texas Longhorns football and watched or listened to every game. After college, he initially went to work for Pan American Oil Company and enjoyed a long career as a Petroleum Landman. He worked in the Louisiana area for several oil companies and in 1976 formed Stack Oil Corporation named after his sons, Stephen and Jack. He was member of the First Presbyterian Church having served as a Deacon and Elder. Also, he was a member of the Lafayette Petroleum Club having served on the Board of Directors. In addition to being an avid supporter of all local sports and season ticket holder to ULL football, John was a long time member of Oakbourne Country Club where he enjoyed playing golf into his 90's. John reminisced that he once challenged an alligator for his ball on the 18th green.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Jo Rettig; his son, Jack Bonner Rettig and partner Debra Scadden, and granddaughter, Lauren Michelle Rettig.

He was preceded in death by his father, John Wilson Rettig, Sr., his mother, Eleanor Bonner Rettig and his son, Stephen John Rettig.

Many thanks to his Angels: Beverly Howard, Julaine Trahan, and Megan Baudoin of Senior Helpers.

We would also like to thank Hospice of Acadiana for making his last days peaceful. If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Presbyterian Church, Wounded Warriors, the American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice.

Online obituary and guest book may be viewed at www.fountainmemorialfuneralhome.com

Fountain Memorial Funeral Home, 1010 Pandora Street, Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-981-7098, is in charge of arrangements.