Eugene Elwin Peterson, 85, passed away March 17, 2016 at Wesley Towers in Hutchinson, Kansas. He was born August 30, 1930 in Garfield, Kansas, the son of Frank and Ida Peterson. He retired from Best Bakery after 35 years working as a mixer.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean Conflict. He loved to go camping, and was known as a "piddler" by his family - always starting to tinker with something but just not quite getting it done! He was a staunch supporter of Hutchinson Community College basketball and the NJCAA Tournament. His family was his main focus.

On April 15, 1956 he married Eleanor Lee Spreier in Larned, Kansas. She survives. Other survivors include 1 son, Greg (Janet) Peterson; 2 daughters, Connie (John) Barkley, Karen (Les) Runyan; 1 brother, Luaine Peterson; 10 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister, Euline, and, 1 brother, LaMonye.

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 10:30 AM at Wesley Towers Chapel, 700 Monterey Place, Hutchinson, Kansas with military honors. In lieu of flowers the family has established the Eugene E. Peterson family memorial fund and gifts may be left for the family at Old Mission - Heritage Funeral Home, 528 N. Main, Hutchinson, Kansas.