Kenneth John Peterson passed away peacefully on February 24, 2019 at age 92 in Carrollton, Texas. He was born on February 11, 1927 in Chicago, Illinois to Elizabeth and John Peterson, who immigrated to the USA from Sweden. He had two sisters, Margit and Hedy.
Upon graduating from high school at age 17, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a military policeman during WWII. After the war, Kenneth returned to Chicago, married, and had a son, Lee Kenneth Peterson. When the marriage ended, he moved to Houston to work for PPG. There he met and married Nellie Ann Murff, and married her one year later in 1953. Their marriage lasted 65 years, until Nellie’s death in 2018. Ken’s work with PPG, and later with Vistawall, caused them to move many times over the years, from Houston, to El Paso, Albuquerque, New Orleans, Nashville, Arlington, and other cities, until they retired to Granbury, Texas in 1994. Their life in Granbury provided them a joyous retirement, with many friends and a full social life centered on their neighbors, church family, and community activities. Ken loved to drive, and they enjoyed traveling during this time, taking long car trips that stretched from coast to coast and border to border.
Kenneth was very involved with veterans’ activities. He was instrumental in starting the Marine Corps League detachment in Granbury, and served the organization in several capacities over the years. He particularly loved helping with Toys for Tots, and in honoring deceased Marine Corps veterans at their funerals. In addition, he was active in their church, the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Granbury, serving as a lector, and for many years as Kitchen Angels with Nellie.
Kenneth was predeceased by his wife, Nellie; his parents; his son, Lee; and his sister, Hedy. He is survived by his sister, Margit; daughter Beth and son-in-law Michael Lachin; daughter Amy and son-in-law Eric Carlson; grandchildren Joseph Schick and his wife Libby; Kristin Sparks and her husband Tim; Tim Lachin, Samuel Highley, Sophia Highley, Madilyn Carlson, Katelyn Carlson, Natalie Carlson, and Michael Carlson. He is also survived by five great-grandchildren, Makenna, Julius, and Adrian Sparks; and Stella and Louise Schick.
Ken’s family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the staff at Sonoma House Assisted Living in Carrollton, TX for the loving care they provided during the past 15 months.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 3 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, housed in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 2016 Acton Hwy., Granbury, Texas, 76049. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marine Corps League Foundation.
