Gene Charles Peterson

Gene Charles Peterson age 93 passed away 11 June 2014 in SLC. He was born September 5, 1920 in Gunnison, Utah to Pearl Marie Whitlock and Clarence Peterson. He married Phillis Johnson February 14, 1945 in Kingston, Arizona. She passed away on the 6th of January, 1996 and he later married Donna Shipley on the 14th of May 1996.

He graduated from Gunnison High School in 1938 and became part of the Greatest Generation. He joined the U.S. Air Force in the 388th Combat Bomb Unit. He served as a Lieutenant in WWII until 1945. As a B 17 Bomber Pilot he completed 35 missions total. The first two missions he flew were on D-Day. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross 3 times and the Air Medal 5 times.

After his time in the service he attended Utah State University. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree in 1947.

He spent 33 years in the Agricultural Department of Utah Idaho Sugar Company in Gunnison, Delta, Richfield and West Jordan, Utah as well as Toppinish and Kennewick, Washington. He served in the Salt Lake City general office as General Superintendent.

He was a member of the LDS Church. He was also very involved in the Community including the Boy Scouts, Lions Club, 4 H Club and was a recipient of the Junior Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award in 1953.

He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers; Lamar Peterson and Wesley Peterson; two sisters, Marilyn (Larry) Burt and Charlene (Calvin) Cotrell and daughter Jeanne (Robert) Gorment.

Survived by his wife Donna; one brother Glenn Peterson; two children, Sandra Lee Peterson and Paul Douglas Peterson; two grandchildren, Christy Lee Peterson and Tara (Steven) Reggimellos as well as four step children; Janet (Richard) Cain, Richard Lyle Shipley, Robert Dale Shipley and Carolyn S. Jaussi, 24 grandchildren, 84 great grandchildren and 13 great great grandchildren.

Services will be held at the Valley View Stake Center at 2245 E 3900 S Salt Lake City. The viewing will be at 10:30am and services will begin at 12:00pm.