Kenneth Lee Peterson, 86, of Palacios passed away January 13, 2016. He was surrounded by his loving family, who prayed in thankfulness to God for the gift of this wonderful, cherished Christian man. He was born on January 25, 1929 in Jackson County, Texas, to the late Emil Peterson and Alice Slaughter Peterson. He was a 1947 graduate of the last graduating class of LaWard High School and he proudly served our country from 1951 to 1953 in the United States Army. On June 10, 1955, Kenneth married Rita Chamberlain, a faithful union that lasted 60 years. Kenneth was a longtime member of the Palacios Church of Christ. He was retired from Alcoa; and he enjoyed raising cattle, working outside, and reading.
His family was his most valued earthly treasure. He loved them deeply and unconditionally. He cherished time spent with each and every family member, and was fiercely proud of all of them. Kenneth was blessed with two children, five grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. They all will miss him greatly and will proudly carry on his legacy. He was also proud of his community where he was well known and respected.
He is preceded in death by his siblings, Ludvig Peterson, Charlie Peterson, Mary Bannert and Leta Kelly. He is survived by his wife, Rita Chamberlain Peterson of Palacios; daughter Teresa Kay Blanchette & husband Tim of Blessing; son Bryant E. Peterson & wife Debra K. of Francitas; grandchildren Ingrid Lee Ryman, Karin Kay Blanchette, Kristen Lyn Perez, Jessie Cheyenne Peterson and Kanyon Bryant Peterson; great-grandchildren Hunter Lee Ryman, Nicole Ray Ryman, Devin Lee Perez and Ethan David Perez.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral service will be on Friday, January 15, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Palacios Funeral Home with Brother Shan Jackson officiating and Paul Purswell leading congregational singing. Interment will follow at Olivia Cemetery. Pallbearers are Jason Hayden, Gary Brady, Cliff Curtner, Kurt Killebrew, Victor Eggemeyer and Tom Johnson. Honorary pallbearers are Tim Blanchette, Kenneth Ryman, David Perez, Kanyon Peterson, and Paul Hunt.
In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to Univ. of Texas John Ritter Research Program PO Box 1321 Houston, TX 77251 or to the Wounded Warrior Project.