Harry Willis “Sonny” Peterson, age 89, a resident of Ft. Scott, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at his home. His life-journey toward this moment of entering heaven began on October 3, 1932, in Hiattville, Kansas, to parents, Willis and Verna Likely Peterson. As the oldest surviving child, Harry was soon joined by four brothers and three sisters. In many ways, this “Sonny Boy” guided and guarded each of them as he progressed through school at Hiattville and Mount Hope.
Even as a young man, Sonny knew the path to happiness, especially when he found and captured the love of his life, Edith Hopkins. Marrying her on February 13, 1954, gave these sweethearts many opportunities to guide, and raise other children through the years even though they remained childless. Cousins, nieces, nephews, siblings, 4-H kids, Rainbow girls and numerous others became their projects and indeed, their children.
Sonny was not only known for taking care of others; he was known for taking care of business by “fixing” anything – trucks, tractors, electricity, plumbing or carpentry projects. “Uncle Sonny” could change your tire, feed your cattle or cut wood for your heating system. He always gave the best he had with no expectation of reward or payment. This work ethic was seen in his jobs: twenty-one years for Ford Tractor and New Holland followed by twenty years for the Fort Scott U-234 School District. His education afterschool focused on the needs for his occupations specializing in tractors, combines and welding. Fixing problems paved his way to a life filled with good works.
Some of those good works included participation with the Grange, 4-H, Rainbow Girls, and Iza Stompers Square Dance Club.
Church became a priority in his life; as a member of the Ft. Scott First Baptist Church where he served as deacon, trustee, and moderator. Sonny’s love of people and of “fixing” problems led to being a member and past Master of Xenia Lodge, past District Deputy Grand Master for District #8, member of Royal Arch, Iola, past Grand Officer of AF & AM for Kansas, member and past Patron of Olive Chapter #13, OES, and Grand Chaplin for Grand Chapter in Kansas. His life was spent “fixing” lives of others and sacrificing for others.
Harry “Sonny” is survived by his wife, Edith, of the home; three sisters, Mary Loy Schaffer, Marge Madison and Sissy Mall and two brothers, Frank and Von and numerous relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister and two brothers, Pat and Bill.
Rev. Ken Ansell will conduct funeral services at 10:30 A.M. Monday, March 14th at the First Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Centerville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 P.M. Sunday evening at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Masonic rites will take place at the close of visitation. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel,