Kenneth Mark Petty

Kenneth Mark Petty, age 66 of Hamilton passed away at University Hospital, Cincinnati on Monday, May 30, 2011. He was born in Hamilton on December 17, 1944 to LaVerne (Kirsch) and Mark Petty, and was a 1962 graduate of Garfield High School. Ken was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam as a combat engineer from February, 1966 to January, 1967. In 2007 he learned that he had significant medical problems related to his exposure to Agent Orange. Ken’s passion for cars led to a successful career as an automotive salesman and later as a consultant to GM, Chrysler, Infiniti and other major car companies. He enjoyed car races and working on his 1966 Plymouth Belvedere I with friends, especially Sean Italiano.

He is survived by two brothers, Dan (Katherine) Preston of Williamsburg, Virginia and Mark (Michelle) Petty of Hamilton; two sisters, Karen Gurr and Mary Ann Walters, both of Hamilton; nieces and nephews Debra (Tim) Shane, Eric (Amy) Gurr, Traci (Mark) Doering, Wendy (Brian) Pace, Angela Walters, Will Preston, Chris Petty, Ashley Mullen, and Mike Petty; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and other relatives and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVerne and Charles Preston and Mark and Geneva Petty; a brother, Mike Petty; and a brother-in-law, Michael Walters.

Funeral service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 11:30 AM with Mr. Bill McGrane officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM. The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at VA and UC Hospitals, especially Dr. Michael Hoffman, Dr. Valerie Ling, and Dr. Ross Ristagno for the excellent care that Ken received. Donations may be made in Ken’s memory to the Vietnam Veterans, MS, or any other charity of one’s choice.