Obituaries

Claude Richard Peterson age 80 passed away on Oct 15 2011 at his residence in Sherman Texas. Visitation will be Monday October 17 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dannel Funeral Home. Pastor Tim Harkins of the Sherman Bible Church will officiate the funeral service held at Dannel Funeral Home Tuesday Oct 18 2011 at 11:00 am . Burial will follow at historic West Hill Cemetery. Dick was born in 1931 to parents Albin and Ruby (Eskew) Peterson in Bruning NE. He attended the University of Nebraska first and then completed his Applied Science degree at Metropolitan State College of Denver CO while working full-time at night and attending school during the day. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Air Force during the Korean War and then as a technician with the Air National Guard. Dick married Merle Jeanne "Jean" Weyers on May 30 1953 in Council Bluffs IA. They moved to Denver CO in 1957 where he worked for Gates Rubber Co. then Florence KY in 1976 and finally Sherman TX in 1979. He retired after 29 years. Dick and Jean celebrated 58 years together before his passing. Dick was a craftsman and enjoyed working with his hands. As a woodworker he created numerous items among which were desks dressers a rocking horse an 18-wheeler truck a replica of the Red Baron""¢s plane puzzles and business card holders. As a leatherworker he created custom belts flask holders and other items. He also enjoyed building model replicas with the kids and grandkids including large sailing ships and aircraft. Dick was preceded in death by his parents his sister Dorthy Essay & her husband Charlie. Dick is survived by his wife Merle Jeanne of Sherman a son Chris Roy Peterson of Arlington TX and a daughter Julie Ann Owens and her husband Bryan of Bells TX. Dick has two grandsons Tyler Hatch and Zayden Owens of Bells TX, two step grandchildren Meredith Owens of Oklahoma City OK and Addison Owens his wife Whitney step-great-grandchild Lyla Owens all of Tulsa OK, and two nephews John and David Essay of Lincoln NE. The online register book may be signed at www.dannelfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to Home Hospice of Grayson County @ 505 W. Center St . Sherman TX 75090-7827 or the Disabled American Veterans @ DAV Memorial Program P. O. Box 14301 Cincinnati OH 45250-0301.