Donald W. Peterson's Obituary
Decatur-Donald W. 'Pete' Peterson, 86, of Decatur passed away Monday, March 11, 2013 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Donald was born July 25, 1926 in Decatur, IL, the son of James and Maggie (Owens) Peterson. He proudly served his country in U.S. Army in WWII from November 3, 1944 to August 8, 1946 and in the Korean War from September 17, 1950 to September 1, 1951. He was a life-member of the V.F.W. Post #99, Cooties Puptent #62, Korean War # 24, American Legion Post #105, DAV Post #17, Salem Baptist Church, and a member of the Macon #8 A.F. & A.M. He was an avid volunteer that donated over twenty-two gallons of blood to the American Red Cross. He married Delores Renner on April 20, 1957 in Decatur, IL. She preceded him in death in 2002.
Donald leaves behind his son, Charles “Chuck” (Shirley) Puckett, daughters Karen Sue (Bill) Dotson of Decatur, Shirley A. Burns of Decatur, Jacki Lee (John) Pogue of Shelbyville, brother James D. (Juanita) Peterson of Decatur, sister Shirley Rentfro of Melbourne, Florida, grandchildren LeAnn (Gary) Ryan, Bianca (Gary) Altenburger, Katrina Burns, Deena Bowman (Jeff), Jerry (Jet) Slunder, Troy Slunder, Richard Mares, Roxanne Mares, Desila (Mark) Merry, Terren Mares, Shelly Puckett, Tommy Puckett, Wendy Ethington (Tim), and Quenna, and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He was reunited in Heaven with his parents, wife, grandsons Michael and Sam Burns, brothers William and Arthur Peterson, and son-in-law Leland Burns, Sr.
Services to celebrate Donald’s life will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2013 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, March 14, 2013 at the funeral home. Burial with military rites conducted by the Macon County Honor Guard will be in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to VFW Post #99 or the Macon County Honor Guard.
The family of Donald W. Peterson is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Donald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donald?
Share a story where Donald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donald you’ll never forget.
How did Donald make you smile?