Harry J. Peterson, 90

Harry Joseph Peterson, 90, of Corpus Christi, Texas, died Dec. 21, 2019, in West Plains. No local services are planned.
 He was born in St. Louis, the only child of Howard Peterson and Alice Newell. Mr. Peterson is respectfully remembered as Col. Harry J. Peterson, a retired, decorated war veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force as an accomplished fighter pilot for 27 years. He proudly flew and served his country during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. His love of flying began as a child; it dictated his life’s career and continued throughout his retirement.
His passion for flying was matched only by his love of sailing. He was a talented and intelligent craftsman who built his own aircraft and several sailboats, including one large enough to sail the world. He also loved words, but the written ones spoke to him the most. He was an avid reader, especially of the Bible. He was committed to providing for his family and having a strong relationship with God.
On married Jan. 25, 1953, he married Maurine Richardson. They raised four children together.
He taught by example how to work hard, be committed to what you want and keep your faith and convictions. He earned two master’s degrees from the University of Corpus Christi, now Texas A&M Corpus Christi: one in business and one in computer science. He stayed very active and enjoyed playing racquetball until his late 80s.
He is survived by his two daughters: Carole Moody and husband John of Gainesville, and Susan Gooris Masten of Bedford, Texas; two daughters-in-law: Nancy Peterson and Jo An Peterson; 11 grandchildren: Christopher Gooris, Micah Peterson, Kristi Peterson, Dylan Wilson, Sandra Bueno, Jover De Los Reyes, Justine De Los Reyes, Sarah Post, Kasey Covington, Josh Hoppes and Nathaniel Hoppes; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, who died Feb. 8, 2016; and two sons, Dwight Peterson and Robert Peterson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be left at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed at robertsondrago.com
Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, West Plains, directors.