Frederick David Petke

Frederick David Petke, 84, of Asbury Place, Kingsport, passed away Saturday, August 15, 2026, from complications from pancreatic cancer.

He was born May 12, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Frederick Edward and Marie Wissemann Petke. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in chemistry from Lehigh University in 1964 and a Ph.D. in physical chemistry from Washington State University in 1968. Shortly afterward, he began working at Eastman Kodak in Kingsport. He retired in 1999 after working in the research and product safety divisions.

David was an active member of Waverly Road Presbyterian Church for nearly 60 years as a Sunday school teacher, a Stephen Minister, a lay pastor, and a member of several leadership committees. He was a leader in Boy Scout Troop 255 for many years. He was a longtime member of the East Tennessee Rail Fan Association and the Kingsport Model Train Project, and a regular participant and leader in the Kingsport Alliance for Continued Learning.

David was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years, Sharon Stinnett Petke, on December 28, 2025. He was also preceded by his parents and two brothers, Kenneth Petke and Richard Petke.

He is survived by one son, Fred Petke and wife Shawna of Lexington, Kentucky, one daughter, Sarah Gall and husband Ed of New Holland, Pennsylvania, one step-son, Rodney Holland and wife Lane of Franklin, Tennessee, one step-daughter, Rebekah Aycock and husband Shaun of Cedartown, Georgia; six grandchildren, Aiden, Maddox, Micah, Harper, Declan, and Jake; and a special friend, Deinya Mautz.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at Waverly Road Presbyterian Church.