Robert Lee "Duke" Petitt of Hodgen, Oklahoma was born March 6, 1947 in Santa Cruz, California to Ralf J. and Emma Lee (Cerniack) Petitt and passed away November 14, 2017 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 70.

He is survived by:

Two daughters:
Cassy Petitt of Heavener, Oklahoma
Terri Hardin of Heavener, Oklahoma

One son:
Micheal Anthony Benham of Heavener, Oklahoma

Eight grandchildren:
Travis and Tyler Hardin
Brittany, Robert, Payton, and Kellie Benham
Trevor and Chucky Petitt

Four great grandchildren:
Izzy Brown, Story and Philip Lewallen, and Secret Walker

Several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralf and Emmalee Petitt; his wife, Dortha Petitt; and one brother, Gary Petitt. Robert was a long-time resident of the area. He was a retired trackman for the Union Pacific Railroad and a member of the House of Hope Church. Robert was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, where he served his country during the Vietnam Era. He loved to spend time with his family. Robert will be greatly missed.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2017 at the House of Hope Church in Poteau, Oklahoma with Reverend Frankie Harris and Reverend Brian Harris officiating. Burial of cremains will be at Conser Cemtery. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Trevor Petitt, Gene Skelton, Jr., Charles Petitt, Levi Poor, Travis Hardin, Tyler Hardin, Gabe Ollar, Joseph Stephani, Jeremy May, Jeff Hardin, Jason Pilcher, Jeffery Thomas, D.K. Lynch, and Dereck Goodmanson.