More detail on this person: LTC (Ret.) Richard "Dick Pete" Norman Peterson, age 94, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, in Frisco, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Born on December 29, 1930, in East Liverpool, Ohio, Richard was the son of Harold N. and Vera (Dailey) Peterson. After graduating from East Liverpool High School, he briefly worked in the local pottery industry before joining the Army Reserves in 1951. In 1954, he was called to active duty, beginning a distinguished military career that spanned over two decades. Richard proudly served in the United States Army, Armor Air Cavalry, where he was stationed at Fort Carson, CO; Fort Walters, TX; Fort Knox, KY; Fort Ord, CA; and Fort Rucker, AL. A highly skilled helicopter pilot, he completed three tours in Vietnam and later served as an instructor pilot at Fort Rucker. After retiring from active duty in 1978, he continued his service to the country as a civil servant at Fort Hood, TX. He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Audrey Fenton Peterson; his son, Gregg Merideth Peterson; and both of his beloved wives, Patricia Mengerink Peterson and Jane Seitz Peterson. Richard is survived by his daughter, Lu Ann Patton, and her former husband, Curtis Patton of Frisco, TX, and his son, Richard E. Peterson and wife Sue of Duncanville, TX. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Michelle Patton Smitherman (Wade) of Brent, AL; Christopher L. Patton (Elizabeth) of Keller, TX; Kelley R. Patton Bowden (Jason) of Melissa, TX; John J. Peterson (Tabitha) of East Bernstadt, KY; and Brittney N. Peterson Diaz of Jacksonville, FL. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren: Meagan Foley of Brent, AL; Samantha (Timothy) of Virginia; Nicholas A. Patton (Jeannie), Nathaniel A. Patton, and Noah A. Patton of Keller, TX; Logan M. Bowden and Hudson M. Bowden of Melissa, TX; Maelani and Aleia Diaz of Jacksonville, FL; and Ethan Peterson of East Bernstadt, KY. He was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren: Levi R. Patton, twins Lainey and Wesley Patton of Keller, TX, and Bailon Short of Brent, AL. Richard is remembered fondly by numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family members he met throughout his remarkable military journey. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. LTC Richard Peterson will be laid to rest with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery in McLean, Virginia on September 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. His legacy of service, strength, and love for family will live on through all who knew and loved him
Burial information: Arlington National Cemetery
This information was last updated 10/02/2025
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Date posted on this site: 02/07/2026
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