Dr. Omer Petty

Dr. Omer Key Petty was born March 23, 1936, in Arbyrd, Missouri to William and Exie Petty. He passed away Aug. 28, 2023, in his beloved town of Poplar Bluff, Missouri where he had an amazing 63-year career as a dentist, spent happy days playing golf, and enjoying life with friends and family.

Omer, graduated from Senath High School and went on to attend Arkansas State University, graduating in 1957. He earned his DDS from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in 1960. Dr. Petty then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where he practiced dentistry for seven years, including three years in Germany. He also served 25 years in the Air Force Reserves, officially retiring as Colonel in 1996.

Dr. Petty began working at the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center in 1967. He opened a private practice in downtown Poplar Bluff in 1981. Dr. Petty met Dr, Randal Hillis and in 1987 the two began a close working relation that lasted over 36 years, the of which include Dr. Gilberto.

In 1953, Omer married his high school sweetheart, Ella Jane Wofford-Petty, who proceeded him in death. They had four children: Barry =, Lisa, Norm and ken.

He married Rena Petty in 1995 and gained two more daughters, Brandi and Bethany.

Omer has 12 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by brothers, Joe, John and Elbert Petty.

Dr. Petty will be interned at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, Missouri. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.