Roland N. Petot

Roland Narcissus Petot passed away July 30, 2008 quietly at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis, MO. Born September 9, 1928 in Bay City, WI, he was the first born of Alves and Helen (Caerny) Petot growing up near Perryville, MO. He left logging and farming to work first in a shoe factory and then stave mill. In 1951 he joined the US Army where he served in Korea in 1951-1952. Returning to civilian life, he began driving a cab in Perryville, MO; then moved to St. Louis where he drove for Laclede Cab Company; later, driving for a floral service that he took over in 1965 and established as County Delivery Service which he used to serve the community floral industry until 1998. He later worked as a courier for Zipps Express, Inc. until a near fatal accident by a drunk driver Jan. 30, 2003. Roland had a zest for life, and many mornings at the St. Louis flower market it saw him in rare form. His mechanical abilities served him well throughout his life of hard work. Roland married Velma Knapp in 1951. This marriage produced seven children. He married Sandra Becker in 1972 which produced two children. He married Linda Burger in 1986. Roland was preceded in death by his parents; Velma Knapp Liszewski (5-4-08) and sister Madonna Bruce. He is survived by his wife Linda; sons Roger (Jennifer) Petot (NM), Robert (Cindy) Petot, Roland (Sandy) Petot Jr., and Michael (Dana) Petot; daughters Kathy (Terry) Swyear, Deborah (Gary) Meinhardt (NM), Linda Petot (NM), Clara (Jon) LaPlante (FL), and Michelle (Charles) Lureschi (IL). He is also survived by his sister Thelma (Jim) Robinett as well as two brothers, Wayne (Kay) Petot (Perryville), and Dale Petot (Arnold). He is the grandfather of 18 and the great-grandfather to 7. He is also survived by Sandra Becker, step children Gretchen Maixner, James (Angie) Burger, and Geoffrey (Terri) Burger (NYC) and five step grandchildren. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins, and sister-in-law, Carla Brown (FTW, TX). Roland was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Alton, IL. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Heartland Home Hospice, Alzheimer's Research, Cancer Society, or a charity of your choice.