Jerry D. Peterson

Jerry D. Peterson, 72, longtime owner and operator of Peterson Hardware in Altamont, died unexpectedly at his home early Monday, August 11, 2014. He was born June 9, 1942 in rural Altamont, Kansas to Vaughn R. and Lois M. (White) Peterson. Jerry grew up on the family farm west of Altamont and was a graduate of Labette County Community High School in Altamont. He served in the Army Reserve from March of 1964 through December of 1969. Following high school, Jerry worked at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons and also at the grocery store in Altamont before attending refrigeration school. He then was employed by Hart Hardware in Altamont. On February 21, 1967, he and Sharon L. Vanlandingham were married in Vinita, Oklahoma. In 1983, they became owners and operators of Peterson Hardware in Altamont, formerly Hart Hardware. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon, on May 3, 2009. He was an active member of the Altamont United Methodist Church and had served as an advocate for both the church and its preschool. He had served the City of Altamont on the governing board including two terms as mayor. In earlier years, Jerry had assisted on the volunteer fire department as both firefighter and as fire chief. Jerry's store was his passion. He always received great satisfaction in being able to help others in their time of need. Jerry was often referred to as the Altamont "historian" and enjoyed sharing his wealth of knowledge when it pertained to his hometown and the surrounding area. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, gardening, watching baseball, and being involved in community activities. Survivors include two sons, Roy Louis Peterson, of Parsons, KS, and Richard Dean Peterson and his wife, Hope, of Arlington, TN; eight grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, one sister, Esther Guinn, of Stilwell, OK; sister-in-law, Terry Born and her husband, Jim, of St. Paul, KS; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by one daughter, Christy Lynn McNett; and three brothers, including his twin brother, Larry, Gale, and Leslie Peterson. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2014 at the Altamont United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Altamont. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., Friday, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. Memorials are suggested to the Altamont United Methodist Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jerry D. Peterson, please visit our flower store.