Johnathan Mitchell "Mitch" Petrus

Johnathan Mitchell "Mitch" Petrus of Carlisle, died unexpectedly July 18, 2019 at the age of 32. Mitch is survived by his parents, Phil and Sue Petrus, his brother, Trey Petrus all of Carlisle, sister, Rhonda and Cary Crawford of Yukon, Okla.; Kimberlee and Curt Christian of Carlisle, sister, Tessa Charles of Las Vegas, Nev., and brother, Donald Rex Childers II; paternal grandmother, Evelyn Petrus of Carlisle; his paternal aunt, Marylin and Mark Rice of the Woodlands, Texas and Mary Katherine Petrus of Slovak, Ark., and a host of other cousins and beloved friends. Mitch was born on May 11, 1987 in Fort Smith, Ark., to Sue and Phil Petrus. He graduated from the University of Arkansas in 2009 with a degree in Agricultural Business. An Unrated tight end prospect out of high school, Petrus was a walk-on at the University of Arkansas. Mitch earned a scholarship in 2007 and blocked for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. In 2009, Petrus was named ALL-SEC. At the NFL Scouting Combine in 2010, Mitch completed 45 reps of 225 pounds on bench press which tied him for the record of the most since 2000. In 2010 the New York Giants drafted Mitch in the fifth round. He made a name for himself by playing in 27 NFL games, and is one of the 2012 Super Bowl World Champions. Following his NFL career Mitch returned home to Arkansas and became involved in local politics, entrepreneurship, and the high school football community. He became a regular sideline reporter for Fox 16's Friday night football highlight show. Later he began his own towing business. Countless stories have emerged on how often he would go above and beyond for his customers. Mitch also worked as chief of staff to Arkansas state senator, Jonathan Dismang in the 2018 legislative session. Mitch was so much more than a "big, dumb football player". Mitch was just as comfortable on the dance floor as he was on the football field. Mitch had an enormous capacity for joy and that is how we will always remember him. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the Church of Christ in Biscoe, Ark. Visitation will be 6 p.m., Monday, July 22 at Westbrook Funeral Home in Hazen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Go fund me.com/Mitch-Petrus Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com.