Frederick Oscar Peterson II

Fred O. Peterson, 77, of Raytown Missouri, lost his battle to stomach cancer on Feb 18, 2025. This was just like his hero and idol John Wayne, who also lost a battle with stomach cancer on June 11, 1979. Fred absolutely loved John Wayne and could recite his movies all the way through. He also had quite a collection of John Wayne movies and memorabilia. Fred also loved James Bond movies, and even though he loved all the actors who played Bond, Sean Connery was his favorite. Another of his favorites was Tom Cruise in the Mission Impossible movie series, and he was really looking forward to seeing the new one coming out in May of 2025.

Fred was a very hard worker and for many years worked two jobs. His job at Sealy’s mattress company, where he upholstered box springs, was his longest job, working there for over 20 years. Over the years he also worked at Toys R US, Walmart and K-Mart.

Fred was an avid bowler, and at one time bowled in a men’s league five nights a week. He almost went pro but was beaten out by one pin.

His love for bowling also led him to meet Cathy. Fred’s neighbor was a co-worker of Cathy and invited them both over to her house to meet and go on a bowling date. Soon after, Fred and Cathy joined a mixed bowling team together and began dating.

His other hobbies included fishing, hunting and playing golf. He could sit on the dock at Lake of the Ozarks with some chicken liver and catch a mess of catfish. His favorite trip was right after his first cancer diagnosis. It was a guided Spoonbill trip with his boys, Bill and Jason, and family friend, Dan. They each caught their limit of two and he talked about that trip almost every day!

He also loved the Royals and Chiefs.

Fred loved his family very much. He was very proud of his dad, who was a tail gunner in the Air Force and would tell us story after story that he heard from his Dad. These stories gave him his love of watching WWII movies.

He also loved watching his grandkids in all their activities. Cathlyn played Volleyball, but her favorite was playing soccer goalie. Emilia danced from the age of four until high school. Then she played soccer and basketball. Brett started with soccer and baseball at a young age and continued both sports through high school. He also played basketball in high school. Brett will be attending CMU in the Fall to continue baseball. Fred was excited to travel to Oklahoma last summer to watch Brett in a baseball tournament, but the weather was over 100 degrees, so that part wasn’t fun. Grace started playing Volleyball in middle school and has come to truly enjoy and grow in the sport. Waylon started playing flag football and now is playing tackle. It is so fun watching him with his determination.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Fred O and Margaret A Peterson. His in laws, Frank and Nancy Morris. His brother in-law, Win Naylor, and nephew Scott Naylor.

He is survived by his wife of almost 48 years, Cathy, of the home. Two sons, Bill (Debbie), Odessa, MO and Jason (Andrea), Raytown, Mo. Five Grandkids, Cathlyn, Emilia, Brett, Grace and Waylon. Two sisters, Connie Naylor of Rosemount, MN and Nickie (Tony) Perry of Tonganoxie, Ks. Two nephews, Ross Naylor, and Jon Perry. Many cousins, great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. All of whom listened to all of Fred’s stories, no matter what the conversation was. Fred never met a stranger.

Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, March 29, 2025 Reach Church Raytown at 11:00 am followed by a service at Noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.