Caleb Graham Petty

Caleb Graham Petty, a lifelong resident of Liberty, Missouri, passed away on July 15, 2025, after a long illness. He was born May 7, 1951, the eldest of three sons of Edgar and Grace (Carter) Petty. He grew up on a cattle farm with his brothers Don and Allen. Caleb displayed a remarkable aptitude across a broad range of disciplines and possessed a rare kind of brilliance. Caleb could do anything and do it well. He excelled in math, was tech-savvy, completed complicated crossword puzzles in ink, played the piano at an early age, earned 4-H awards, competed successfully in speech tournaments and could repair anything. He competed admirably in high school wrestling and football. He earned his pilot’s license as a teenager, a reflection of his ambition and ability. Caleb graduated as the top academic male of his class at Liberty High School in 1969, and was voted Most Intellectual by his classmates, was a Boys: State representative and set a standard of excellence for those around him.

Combining his rural roots with sharp academic insight, Caleb went on to study at the University of Missouri, earning a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics. He remained an enthusiastic fan of Mizzou Tiger football.

Professionally, Caleb built a long and respected career in real estate. Clients sought him out not only for his expertise and kindness, but because they trusted him. Even after his semi-retirement, Caleb continued to guide those he cared about, helping friends and family find homes as recently as this year. Caleb’s presence in the community extended beyond his work. He was a past president of the Liberty Lions Club, remained engaged in civic affairs and was a member of Liberty United Methodist Church.

In 1985 Caleb met and married Colleen (Barnhart). The Petty family felt blessed to welcome Colleen and her son, Eric Brant. Their home was one of integrity and warmth, filled with family love, mini-Jeopardy tournaments, bridge games, holiday entertaining, and travels that brought them new memories but always led back home. Their dog, Jessie, continues to be a beloved part of the household.

While he excelled at many things, his greatest strengths were his quick wit, patience and the way he treated people. He connected with everyone – from blue collar to white collar to no collar – making each person feel they mattered.

Caleb is survived by his beloved wife, Colleen Petty and beloved stepson, Eric Brant; brothers; Don Petty and Allen Petty; nephews Brandon Petty, Brett Petty and their families. He is fondly remembered by extended family, a vast circle of friends, grateful clients and loving neighbors.

Caleb’s ashes will be privately placed at Park Lawn Northland’s Glenridge Cemetery in Liberty, Missouri. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, Harvesters or The Salvation Army in his honor.

https://www.harvesters.org/how-to-help/donate

https://www.cancer.org/donate/memorial-giving.html

https://give.salvationarmyusa.org