Clarence Leo Peterson

Clarence Leo “Pete” Peterson, 83, passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2015 in Wichita Falls, Texas. Graveside Services will be held Saturday, June 20 at 1:30pm at Electra Memorial Park, in Electra, Texas. Services are under the direction of Dutton Funeral Home.

Clarence was born January 10, 1932 to Thomas Peterson and Jensine Andrea Andersen in Hutto, Texas. He married Mary Francis “Janie” Whitsett of Olney, Tx on May 3, 1952 in Electra.

Clarence was in the U.S. Army Reserves in 1951 while working for National Tank Company. He joined the U.S. Army in 1954-57 and was stationed in Germany. When he came back, he flew on a Lockeed Electra Airplane and landed at Anderson Airport (now JFK) in New York. He promptly bought a new ’57 Ford and drove his family back to Electra, Texas. He then worked as a welder, field foreman, and shop foreman for National Tank Co. which was sold to Combustion Engineering, Inc. or C.E.NATCO, until his early retirement in 1987. He then worked at Vernon State Hospital.

“Pete” loved his family, friends, fishing, and golfing. He enjoyed his home on Lake Kickapoo where he could fish anytime, take the boat out, and holds the family record of slalom water skiing at age 52.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Geohart, William (Bill), Carl, J.T. Peterson, sisters; Rachel Wylie, Dorothy Holley, and Sylvia Fuller.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Janie. His son Rickey (Shawna) Peterson and grandson Walker, all of Georgetown, Tx., and his granddaughter Scharles-Ann (Jr.) Diaz and great-granddaughters Beyonce Barrera and Sascha Diaz of Mexico. Also, daughter Connie (Steve) Parnell, grandson Tyler (Natalie Hope) Parnell, great-grandsons Blane and Bentley all of Holliday, Tx.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Baptist Church Electra, 406 W Garrison Ave. Electra, Texas 76360.