Thomas Allen Peterson

September 23, 1923 - October 28, 2016

Thomas A. Peterson was born on September 19, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were Edwin and Sigrid Peterson both deceased. With one brother Bertil Peterson deceased in 2000. Surviving is his son David Peterson, three grandchildren- Joseph Peterson, Krystal Peterson, and Jesse Peterson. 5 great grand children- Amie Jordan Stutts, Hope Marie Peterson, Athena Mae Peterson, Kaliann Peterson and Lilyanna Peterson. He graduated from Lane Technical High School in Chicago and attended Lake Forest College in 1942-1943. Excelled in football and baseball and once returned a kickoff 98 yards against Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Joined the U.S Navy in 1943 serving in the South Pacific returning in 1945 with a rate of MoMM 2/c. Graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois in 1949 and participated in football and baseball. While working on his Masters Degree he was the manager and trainer of the country number one basketball team. He was elected to the Hall of Fame for Bradley in 1993 and 1996. While attending Bradley he met his wife Betty O’Brien deceased in 2008. Married in 1950 and lived a happy life with her for 57 years. Moved to Los Angeles in 1952 and was employed with the City of Los Angeles in the Parks and Recreation Department. He retired after thirty three and a half years. He started as a Recreation Director and retired as a Principal Recreation Supervisor in 1988. While working in Los Angeles he also officiated high school football games until 1975. He moved to Apple Valley in 1973 and joined the Spring Valley Lake Country Club, where he was the President of the Men’s Golf club in 1976. Thomas Peterson passed away on October 24, 2016. He will always be remember in our hearts.