On January 7th, 2022, the Lord Jesus called home His Mighty Servant, Martin Oscar Peterson, also belovedly known as “Pete” or “Marty.” He is now joined with the love of his life, of 47 years, his “Woman,” Reina Peterson.
Pete is survived by his six children, Nancy (Bob) Walters, Eric (Diann) Peterson, Patsy (Steve) Herrig, Karen (Lloyd) Crook, Matthew Peterson and Faith (Jason) Scott; 13 grandchildren, Martina, Daytona, Kristina, Tyler, Jacob, Joshua, Jenna, Brandi, Hank, Madison, Michalla, Zoe and Katy; and 10 great grandchildren with 3 on the way.
He was born in Brockton, Massachusetts on March 20, 1940, to, Ralph and Ruth Peterson. His siblings were Norma, Phillip and Dick.
Pete graduated from Abington High School in 1958. He was standout on an undefeated football team.
He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1980. Pete served as a Non-Commissioned Officer stationed at several Marine Corps bases along the east coast and Hawaii. He also served two tours in Vietnam and was highly respected among his peers. He was the epitome of a Marine Bulldog, “a Grunt.”
During his honorable service, Pete was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6th Awd), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Combat Action Ribbon and the Vietnam Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Pete and Reina retired in Leavenworth in 1980 where they resided with their family and made the community their home.
He was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church, enjoying fellowship through bible study and ushering. Pete valued quality time with his family and enjoyed attending children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren activities.
Pete was an active member at Brunner Range, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. He was a licensed NSSA instructor. He loved teaching kids to shoot. He was also actively involved in Youth Skeet Camp and helped Boy Scouts attain their shooting badge. Pete was referred to by some as “Mustache Man.”
He loved God, Country and Family. Pete was not a self-serving man. He was a hard-working man with a love for life. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, integrity, loyalty, honor, and courage.
Semper Fi
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at the R.L. Leintz Funeral Home. A graveside service with military honors will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or the Veterans Home in Cameron, Missouri.