Ralph Jerry Peterson

Ralph Jerry Peterson, son of the late Gus Edwin and Bertha (Payne) Peterson, was born October 19, 1935 on the family farm near Swedeborg, Missouri. Ralph grew up in the Turkey Ridge area of Pulaski County and lived in the Waynesville area most of his life. On January 6, 1956, Ralph was united in marriage to Bessie “Allene” Noe in Richland, Missouri. They shared over 59 years of marriage together and were blessed with three children: Belinda, Paula and Tommy. Ralph was employed with the Missouri Department of Transportation and retired after 30+ years. He loved serving his community and was presiding commissioner for Pulaski County for a time. In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed being outdoors. You could find him fishing, hunting, or riding his 4-wheeler. He was very talented when it came to restoring old tractors. He loved to see them become new machines again. Ralph was a practical jokester and loved getting his family and friends. Most importantly, he treasured spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren. Ralph made a profession of faith early in his life and was a member of the Waynesville United Methodist Church. He was a people person and enjoyed visiting everyone at church and all the local restaurants when he was still able to get out. Ralph went home to be with his Lord Saturday, April 4, 2015 in the Life Care Center of Waynesville having attained the age of 79 years. Ralph leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Allene of the home; three children: Belinda Carmack, Paula Dye (Harvey Lynn), and Tommy Peterson (Carrie) all of Waynesville, MO; four grandchildren: Sarah Dye of Waynesville, MO, Stephen Dye of Springfield, MO and Isaac and Anna Peterson, both of Waynesville, MO; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by one brother: Carl Peterson; two sisters: Anna Marie Beckman and Ruth Zeigenbein; and one grandson: James Aaron Carmack. Services were held at 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2015 in the Waynesville United Methodist Church with Pastor Bill O’Neal officiating. Pianist Cheryl Wood accompanied the congregation as they sang several congregational songs. Soloist Bill Anderson sang “How Great Thou Art”, Soloist Becky Lercher sang “Amazing Grace” and the song “Go Rest High on that Mountain” by Vince Gill was played. Serving as escorts were Ronnie Dye, Calvin York, Dennis Doss, Dan Patton, Roy Doyle and Richard Breeden. Serving as honorary escorts were Homer Wilkes, Roy Nichols, Chuck Thompson, Don Bouleware, George Allen and Doug Basham. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert & Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ralph Peterson and may be left at the funeral home.

Ralph Jerry Peterson

October 19, 1935 - April 4, 2015