VERNON LEROY PETERSON

Vernon Leroy Peterson was born to William and Florence Griffin Peterson on July 27, 1925, in LaJunta, CO and took the hand of God to come home September 20, 2010.

After the death of his mother, William and his three children moved to

May, Oklahoma to live with William’s father in a two room soddie.

After Pearl Harbor, Vernon took the train from Gage, OK to Oklahoma City to join the Marines. After discovering they had reached their quota for the day, he went next door and joined the Navy. He served during WWII aboard the USS Savo Island during the Pacific Campaign. He was awarded many medals and ribbons, including the Presidential Citation and the Pacific Campaign medal with 4 battle stars. Vernon completed his services

with the rank of Lt. JG, U.S.N.R.

Vernon returned to Gage and met his bride of 64 years, Katherine Simpson. They were married July 31, 1946. Vernon received his Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern in Alva and his Master’s from Phillips University in Enid. He started his career as a teacher in Woodward and eventually became Superintendent of Schools in Fargo, Keyes, North Enid and then retiring from Hulbert Schools.

Vernon was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Keyes First Baptist Church and Emanuel Baptist Church in Enid. He was an active member of Eastern Heights Baptist Church until family health issues arose. Vernon was also a member of Lions Club and Gideons International.

Vernon was an avid fisherman and sports fan. He was a life-long fan ofthe San Francisco Giants and OU Sooners. He was also a fan of the Dallas Cowboys.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Avis Hart and Elva Smith.

Vernon leaves behind his wife and best friend of 64 years, Katherine, of the home; children, Rev. Vernon & Paula Peterson, Denton, NC; Gary & PeggyPeterson, Muskogee; Sheryl & Ray Hardcastle, Eufaula, OK; grandchildren, Derek & Beth Peterson, Denton, NC; Charles & Michele Peterson, Stafford, VA; Jason Peterson, Abilene, TX; Amanda Peterson, Abilene, TX; great grandchildren, Grace and Gabriel Peterson, Denton, NC; sisters, Agnes Roedell, Mooreland, OK, Maudie Matthews, Enid, OK; Ethel Barns, Anna, TX,

and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made either to

Gideons International, PO Box 204, Muskogee OK 74402-0204 or to the American Cancer Society, 4110 S. 100th East Ave, Suite 101, Tulsa OK 74146.

Family will be available for visitation at 9:30 a. m., preceding the 10:00 a.m. Celebration of Life Service, Friday, September 24, 2010 at the Bradley Belltower Chapel. Reverend Vern Peterson will officiate for his father’s service. Interment will follow in National Cemetery, Fort Gibson with Derek Peterson, Leroy Blan, Dan Bilby, David Shelton, Jason Peterson, and Chuck Peterson serving as pallbearers. Everett Copeland is an honorary pallbearer.

The family has entrusted Bradley Family Funeral Service of Muskogee with the arrangements.

Friends may send condolences to the family on the web page