Obituaries

Robert Thomas “Pete” Peterson passed away at the age of 71 at his home in Sherman, TX, on Nov. 9, 2014. He was born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on June 30, 1943 to John Joseph Peterson and Bernadette (Mahoney) Peterson. He was raised in Brooklyn and Levittown, N.Y. He joined the U.S. Army at 16 years of age and was stationed in Texas. He fell in love with Texas and made it his home. While at Ft. Hood, he met and married the love of his life and mother of his children. He was befriended by some Rodeo Cowboys, who taught him to ride bulls. For several years he spent some time on the backs of many bulls in Central and South Texas. He was a gifted story teller and wrote and published his memoirs, “The Cowboy Years”. He was a kid at heart, had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to make others laugh. He learned magic when he became a grandpa and entertained his grandchildren and their friends with illusions. He conquered his fears head-on and taught his children to dance in the rain in spite of life’s storms. He battled and beat cancer twice. He was known by many and will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. The significance of his life will extend beyond his lifetime. Pete is survived by his daughter, Bobbi Jo Elvington and her husband, Johnny Elvington; his son, Steven Travis Peterson; his grandson and namesake Robert Dillon LaLonde; and his granddaughter, Tesla M. Peterson, and countless family and friends across the nation. He was preceded in death by his parents and his 4 brothers John, Joseph, Dennis, and Jimmy. There will be a grand homecoming celebration for Pete in his eternal home. But he will be dearly missed in the hearts of those left in the wake of his departure. A memorial service will be held at Dannel Funeral Home on Nov. 22, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; hide me under the shadow of Your wings.” Psalm 17:8