David Pettyjohn

It is with saddened hearts that the family of David “PJ” Duane Pettyjohn, of Hutto, Texas, announces his passing on October 6, 2021. David was born to Effie Aldridge VanGorder and Daniel Pettyjohn on May 2, 1981, in Cordele, Georgia.

David lived a fulfilling life as a loving son, brother, husband, father, and uncle. Aside from his family, David's greatest devotion was to the military. David served honorably for 11 plus years as a Cavalry Scout with the 1-7 Cavalry and the 82nd Airborne Divisions in the United States Army, achieving the rank of Sergeant. His decorating awards and metals include the Bronze Star Metal, Iraq Campaign Metal with four Campaign Stars, Army Commendation Medal (fourth award), the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Army Service Ribbon, the Army Parachutist Badge, and many more. PJ was a generous, kindhearted, outspoken, full of life individual who always put his loved one’s first. He enjoyed cooking, family game nights, off road trailing in his Jeep, and wrestling.

David will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 11 years, Elida Pettyjohn; his five children, Marissa (19), Isaiah (18), Leticia (16), Makayla (16), and Jonathon (10); his mother, Effie VanGorder; brothers, Roland VanGorder III (Kim), Matthew VanGorder (Alexis), Miguel Pantojas; his sisters-in-law, Rosanna Pettyjohn, Rocio Hernandez (Samuel), Alexis Rodriguez (Valorie), Esperanza Rodriguez (Lance), Marisol Rodriguez (Abelardo), and a host of other family members and friends who loved him very much.

David was preceded in death by his father, Roland VanGorder Jr.; brother, Shawn Pettyjohn, and biological father, Daniel Duane Pettyjohn, and sister, Amanda VanGorder-Golob.

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, Monday, October 11th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  Graveside Services with Military Honors will be conducted at Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery of Killeen, Thursday, October 14th at 9:00 AM.