William Archel Petch

SSgt. William A. Petch passed away Sunday, August 14, 2022, at age 77. He was the son of Frank Grant Petch and Margaret Thompson Petch born December 29, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas. He was a loving husband to Kathryn Petch, a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend. and neighbor.

He attended Harlingen High School before entering the US Marine Corps in April 1963. SSgt. Petch served in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star Combat “V” for valor. Other recognitions included the Navy Commendation Medal “V”, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Service Medal.

December 29, 1963, Bill married Kathryn Meyer at Camp Pendleton, California. They were married a total of 30 years. Bill and Kathy lived for 2 years in Keflavik Iceland while in the military. They were in kindergarten and first grade together and were in the same Sunday School Class as children. They shared their love for each other and spent the last 22 years as a loving couple.

He was a member of the American Legion and VFW of Tomball, TX, and had a passion for serving as an advocate for veterans and their benefits. Billy loved the small pleasures in life: fishing, swimming, giving and helping others, working a kitchen at the post, or manning his beloved barbeque pit.

William A. Petch was the most courageous person there was. William was sweet, loving, and compassionate. He made God and family a priority, therefore we always knew who we could go to for anything. He took care of his brothers in arms, even after he was no longer in the service. He always had a meal for anyone that was hungry, and open arms for anyone who needed extra love. His life consisted of helping others without expecting anything in return. His presence gave comfort and an inevitable feeling of happiness and inclusion. He truly was an example of selflessness. True to his character, and as he would have wanted, he left his world while attempting help another.

He is survived by his children, Penelope Petch Wilson (husband Donny); William G. Petch, Sr. (wife Katherine); and Petty Officer First Class Eugene A. Hammond (wife Erica); Step Daughter, Sheri Welch (husband Scott); and Step Son, Russel Whitlock.

Grandchildren Kaitlyn Guasto (husband Richard); William G. Petch Jr. (wife Rebecca); Daniel Petch; Aubrianne A. Hodge; Krista Petch; Neyfi F. Bennett; Bethany G. Petch (husband Payton); Hunter T. Petch; Ethan Hammond; Ellie Hammond; Donald Wilson, Jr (wife Becca); Jessica Nordlie (husband Tyler); John Welch; Haley Welch; Evan Welch.

Great grandchildren, Emberlyn, Ralston, Richard Jr., Dominic, Lindsey, Kassidy, Brittany, Leigho, Dakota, Valkyrie, Liam, Addilyn, and Eliza.

Brother and sisters, Margo Petch Loranger (Son) Fred and (daughter) Christa Loranger; Half-brother Kevin Kimmel and (son) Logan Kimmel; Steven Redman (wife Elizabeth); Half-sisters: Julie Bissel and Shawn Walden.

Preceded in death by Father, Frank G. Petch, Mother, Margaret T. Petch; Son Stacy R. Petch; half-sister Cheryl Frazier; half-brother Jeff Kimmel; brother-in-law Fred Loranger, Sr.; and Albert Henry Meyer.

Public Viewing: 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home

Funeral Service: 12:15 PM -1:15 PM at American Heritage Funeral Home

Committal Service: 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM at Houston National Cemetery

Reception to be held after graveside services at the Tomball VFW Post 2427.

1408 Alice Road Tomball, TX 77377 Phone: (281) 351-2427

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AmericanHeritageFuneralHome.com for the Petch family.