Skip to content

Harry Joseph Peterson

Harry Joseph Peterson of Corpus Christi, Texas, passed away at 9:14 p.m., Saturday, December 21, 2019 in West Plains, Missouri at 90 years old.

 

He was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and was the only child of Howard Peterson and Alice Newell. Mr. Peterson is respectfully remembered as Colonel Harry J. Peterson, a retired, decorated war veteran, having served in the United States Air Force as an accomplished fighter pilot for 27 years. He proudly flew and served his country during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. His love of flying began as a child, dictated his life’s career, and continued throughout his retirement. His passion for flying was matched only by his love of sailing. He was a talented and intelligent craftsman who built his own aircraft and several sailboats, including one large enough to sail the world. He also loved words, but the written ones spoke to him the most. He was an avid reader, especially the Bible. He was committed to providing for his family and having a strong relationship with God. He was married to one woman for life, Maurine Richardson, who passed before him on February 8, 2016. They married on January 25, 1953, and raised four children together: Dwight Peterson (deceased), Robert Peterson (deceased), Carole Peterson and Susan Peterson, who will dearly miss him. He taught by example — how to work hard, be committed to what you want, and keep your faith and convictions. He earned two master’s degrees from the University of Corpus Christi, now Texas A&M Corpus Christi — one in business and one in computer science. He stayed very active and enjoyed playing racquetball until his late eighties.

 

He is survived by his two daughters: Carole Moody and husband, John, of Gainesville, Missouri and Susan Gooris Masten of Bedford, Texas; two daughters-in-law: Nancy Peterson and Jo An Peterson; eleven grandchildren: Christopher Gooris, Micah Peterson, Kristi Peterson, Dylan Wilson, Sandra Bueno, Jover De Los Reyes, Justine De Los Reyes, Sarah Post, Kasey Covington, Josh Hoppes and Nathaniel Hoppes; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertsondrago.com.