William Peterson

December 17, 1939 – April 5, 2018

William “Pete” Mclean Peterson, 78, was born to Margaret Painter Peterson and David Carter Peterson on Dec. 17, 1939 in Johnson City, Tenn.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, his brother David Carter Peterson Jr., brother Joel Franklin Peterson, brother Charles Sanders Peterson, brother Kenneth Grady Peterson, and grandson Blair Peterson Welker.

Pete is survived by his doting wife of 54 years Belinda “Cookie” Peterson, whom he met while standing guard at the casket of President John F. Kennedy. He was fortunate to have a large and loving family, and is survived by his daughter Tracey Welker, her husband John Welker, grandchildren Ashley Welker and Veronica Welker; daughter Tammy Grant and husband David Grant, and granddaughter Jacquelyn Potter; daughter Sherry Martin and husband Andy Martin, grandson Drew Martin, wife Karlen Martin and great-grandchild Makena Lynn Martin, and granddaughter Holly Martin. Pete will be remembered and cherished by all who knew him, including beloved nieces and nephews Jeff and Susan Peterson (David’s); Denis, Carla, Brad, Alan (Joel’s) and Erin and Kyle (Ken’s).

Pete devoted his life to serving his country. He joined the Marine Corps in 1956 at the age of 17, and retired as a Gunnery Sergeant after 20 years of service. Pete lived an adventurous life in which he was fortunate enough to train embassy guards, spending two years in London working for the embassy, and worked for the Marine Corps serving at the White House for President John F. Kennedy, serving with the Secretary of the Navy at the Pentagon, and served multiple tours in the Vietnam War, where he went on to stay after the war to search for POW/MIA soldiers. He received a Purple Heart Medal for the injuries he received during his two tours in the war to add to his other medals and honors he received during his years of service. He went on to serve as a postmaster for approximately 14 years, and spent his free time fishing, serving as a Lions Club member and president, collecting knickknacks, and loving and providing for his family.

Pete was a genuine, fun loving, disciplined and dedicated man who inspired those around him to hold themselves accountable and to the highest standard. He will be missed immensely, cherished always, and loved forever.

Please join us for his memorial service at the United Methodist Church in Moses Lake, Wash. at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018. Interment will be at Mountain Home VA Cemetery in Johnson City, Tenn. The family asks in lieu of flowers, please donate your funds to the National League of POW/MIA Families.