Gaylord Peterson

Major Gaylord "Pete" Peterson, U.S. Army (Ret.), age 86, of Carriere, MS, passed away at home on Monday, May 5, 2025. Gaylord was born on February 7, 1939, in Meadville, PA. He was the son of the late Leon and Iva Shaw Peterson.

Maj. Peterson retired after 20 years of active duty, where he served two tours in Vietnam, and one in South Korea. During his service, he was a paratrooper with the 101 ST Airborne Division ("Screaming Eagles") at Fort Campbell, KY, and during his first tour of duty in Vietnam. As an artillery officer, he served several assignments at Fort Sill, OK, and additional assignments in the U.S.

Following his military retirement, Gaylord enjoyed the game of golf and played often. He stayed active by playing basketball, bike riding, and walking. He also enjoyed watching all kinds of sports on television. Gaylord was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Richard and Lyle Peterson. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia, two

daughters, Sharon (Web) Drake of Inman, SC, Stephanie (Todd) Gathright of Keller, TX, and five grandchildren, Lauren and Jon David Drake, and Emily, Ben, and Abby Gathright. He is also survived by his sister Dolores Durfee of Erie, PA.

Funeral services for Gaylord Peterson will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM, at Lucas Funeral Home, in Keller, TX, with visitation at 9:30 AM., graveside services with full military honors will follow at 1:15 PM, at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, TX.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.