David Haydon Pettes of Manzanola, CO has gone home, leaving behind a circle of those who loved him.
Below, a small portrait of a life that will not soon be forgotten.
We measure lives in love, not minutes.
David Haydon Pettes was born on October 13, 2007, in Chandler, Arizona. He was taken from us on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. David moved to his hometown of Manzanola, Colorado, during his freshman year of high school after living in several places, including Arkansas and Maricopa, Arizona, both of which he remembered fondly, especially the warm weather and swimming pools he traded in for cold and snow in Colorado (which he preferred). David was a talented athlete playing football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling. He participated in the Student Council and was an FFA Officer. He showed goats and cattle through FFA. He loved food, meeting, and helping people. He loved teasing people and playing jokes, watching horror movies, going on ghost hunts, fishing, traveling, and most of all, his family and friends. He always had his headphones on and was passionate about music. He was a devoted son, brother, boyfriend, and friend. His humor and ability to make others laugh were unmatched. Everyone who knew him undoubtedly came away with a "David story." He was a passionate people person and an outdoorsman, which led him to his life's passion of becoming a wildland firefighter. He is survived by his parents, Tommy and Nicole Pettes of Manzanola, CO, and Jennifer Potillo of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Grandparents Phillip Pettes of Maricopa, AZ, David Potillo of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Kathy Brewer and Freddie Trujillo of Goodyear, AZ, Ellen Martus-Dix of Manzanola, CO, Siblings David Diaz, Gregorio Diaz, Gianna Diaz of Manzanola, CO, Annelise Coats, and Rocky Coats of Jonesboro, Arkansas. Girlfriend Isabelle Pruett of Fowler, CO. Best friends Jason Headley of Rocky Ford, CO, Lainy Williams, and Jesse James of Manzanola, CO. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, friends, classmates, teammates, and FFA family. His memorial service will be on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 10 am at the Manzanola High School Gym in Manzanola, Colorado, with a meal following. There will be a cremation. The family asks that you wear your Bobcat, Grizzly, or FFA Gear, Horror Movie T-shirts, or crazy costumes if you please. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made for the family via GoFundMe or at the Manzanola School District.
A Life Celebration will be held 10 :00 am Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Manzanola High School Gymnasium, Manzanola, Colorado
