Hollis P. Pettz Jr.

Hollis P. Pettz Jr., 86, of Lawson, MO, passed away December 31, 2025 at his home peacefully surrounded by his family and hospice care. Hollis was born May 4, 1939 in Garden City, KS, to Hollis P. Pettz Sr. and Rose Jacobs Pettz. He was the eldest of four children, brother Ron Pettz and sisters Sharon Braun and Theresa Younger.

Hollis grew up on a farm in western Kansas north of Holcomb. He attended Holcomb High School and K State before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He married Merlene (Wilson) Pettz on September 4, 1959. Together they began their married life in Biloxi, Mississippi, then moved to St. Charles, LA, Deerfield, KS, and Dodge City, KS, before ending up in Lawson, MO, where they put down roots and raised their family.

Following time in the Air Force, Hollis began his career at ATT. He worked initially in Polo, MO, then moved to the Kansas City offices. He retired from ATT in 1994 . In his retirement he worked at Hidden Valley Golf Course in Lawson, MO, for many years.

Hollis spent his life in service to others alongside his wife Merlene. He was an active member of the Lawson United Methodist Church and Lawson Rotary Club. Family was a priority to Hollis. Always making time for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Whether it was attending sporting events, going to the symphony, traveling, hunting, fishing, eating out at fine restaurants, attending birthday parties, graduations and weddings, this is where he found true happiness. Hollis especially enjoyed time with his close friends going to breakfast, dinner club, playing poker and golfing. One of his greatest loves outside of family was scuba diving he and his dive buddy Dustin Cooper, went on many dive trips together all over the world always coming back with amazing stories and photos. Even outside of dive trips he was an avid swimmer and traveler. Hollis was gifted with a sharp and curious mind and was a lifelong learner always seeking to understand the human mind and the wonders of the world.

Hollis was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Merlene (Wilson); his parents, Hollis Pettz Sr. and Rose (Jacobs) Pettz; a brother, Ron Pettz; and sister, Theresa Pettz.

Survivors include his three children, Debbie (Pettz) Hartman and husband Wayne, Darrell Pettz and wife Julie (Kilpatrick) Pettz, and Holly (Pettz) Simmons and husband Ivan. He has nine grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Sharon (Pettz) Braun, and many nieces and nephews.

A private family service and burial will be held on January 17, 2026 followed by a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. at the Mellon Acres Banquet Hall in Lawson, MO. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Lawson United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home Lawson Chapel.