Richard Peterson's Obituary
Richard Lee Peterson, son of Leonard and Grace Bartlett Peterson, was born August 30, 1947, in Waynesville, Missouri. He departed this life Saturday, October 14, 2006, as the result of an automobile accident near Buffalo, Missouri, at the age of fifty-nine years, one month, and fourteen days. One June 25, 1969 he was married to Pat Kinworthy and to the union four children were born. In July 1984 he was united in marriage to Linda Buehler. He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his father; three brothers, Ray, Dean and Ike Peterson; his stepfather, Frank Perryman; and his maternal and paternal grandparents. Richard is survived by his mother, Grace Perryman, of Brighton, Missouri; seven daughters, Regina Slavens and her husband, Jimmy, Jennie Spence and her husband, Travis, Clara Slavens and her husband, Arthur, all of Lebanon, Missouri, Sara Peterson, of Jordan, Minnesota, Kristi Wilcke and her husband, Keven, Kelley Dickes and her husband, Al, all of Clear Lake, Iowa, and Vanessa Wheeler and her husband, Jimmy, of Springfield, Missouri; two sons, Leonard Peterson and his wife, Floy, of Belmond, Iowa, and Samuel Peterson of Mancado, Minnesota; twenty-two grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Jenny Novak and her husband, Leroy, of Long Lane, Missouri, and Lindy Eagleberger and her husband, Danny of Springfield, Missouri; two brothers, Ronnie Peterson and his wife, Sherry, of Halltown, Missouri, and Darold Peterson and his wife, Wanda, of Richland, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was raised in Waynesville and Springfield, Missouri. In 1966 he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served as a Paratrooper during the Vietnam Conflict, being honorably discharged in 1969. During his military service, he was decorated with the Airborne Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Navy-Marine Corps Parachutist Insignia, Marksmanship Badge (Rifle) and the Good Conduct Medal. While serving in Vietnam, he volunteered for numerous parachuting assignments. After his military service, Richard worked various jobs, including the Iowa Highway Department, Winnebago, and construction, but his favorite jobs had been working on the pipeline and tree trimming. He had a special place in his heart for handicapped veterans and was involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Opportunity Village in Clear Lake, Iowa. While living in Clear Lake, he met and married the love of his life, Linda. Throughout his life Richard was a hard worker and in his spare time he enjoyed gardening. He centered his life on his family and especially loved children. Richard was a loving son, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his family and friends. We celebrate his life and will treasure the memories he made for all those who knew and loved him. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 18, 2006, in the Holman-Howe Chapel, Lebanon. Burial will be in the Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery near Swedeborg, Missouri. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 7 - 8:30 p.m. under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. A memorial has been established for the family and contributions may be made through the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?