Richard "Pete" Dale Peterson

Richard Dale “Pete” Peterson was born on July 9, 1944, in Cumberland, Maryland, to Roy Ray and Thelma Ruth (Ulsh) Peterson. He passed away on January 28, 2026, in West Plains at the age of 81.

Pete spent most of his early life in Maryland, later moving to West Virginia, then New Jersey, and finally to Missouri. He graduated from Allegany High School in 1962. Later, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, from which he received an honorable medical discharge, having contracted tuberculosis. He spent a year in a Baltimore tuberculosis sanatorium before moving back to the Cumberland area.

Pete worked at Sell and Co. for many years before moving into automotive sales and service. In addition, he worked as a night watchman at the Dominion Boys Camp.

Pete was a “Jack of All Trades”; he was a mentor, draftsman, gunsmith, woodworker, leatherworker, hunter, metalsmith, carpenter, salesman, teacher, and hand carver. He could be found carving items out of any kind of material, such as wood, soap, watermelons, etc. Pete loved learning and trying new things, especially making and shooting muzzleloaders the most. He was an active member of the Fort Hill Rifle and Pistol Club.

Almost always smiling, Pete was the guy that always had a joke to tell to lighten the mood. He enjoyed bluegrass music and delighted in sharing his homemade mashed potato candy. Pete was a volunteer grandparent at the Cabool Grade School. He loved it, and they loved him! If you were under 4 feet tall, then, by default, you were one of his best friends! But what was truly important to Pete was his love for God’s word. He was steadfast in reading his scriptures and living by his Savior’s example daily. It was well known that Pete would carry meals to share with those who were less fortunate and needed one.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Johanna Peterson, one brother, Howard Harden Peterson, and one sister, Pauline Verzula Grant.

Pete is survived by his wife, Carrol Ann (Hearn) Peterson, whom he married on September 15, 2023, in Cabool, Missouri. Also surviving him are his two daughters, Kimberly Sue Mace (Gregory Scott) and Monica Lynn Weber, son, Shannon Ray “Jake” Peterson (Melody Joy), grandchildren, Shelai Nicole Clark (Kurt Nicholson), Jesse Dale Peterson, Andrea Renee Peterson and Stephanie Irene Felton (Brandon Jarod), great-grandchildren, Alexander Zayne Bittner, Ryleigh Page Bittner, Taytum Myla Elsie Peterson and Macey May Felton, numerous nieces, nephews, his Cabool elementary school “grandchildren” and many loving friends, both old and young.

If desired, Memorial contributions may be made in Pete’s name to the Cabool Christian Church or to the Cabool Elementary School, 1024 Garst St., Cabool, Missouri 65689.