Frank Clyde Peterson

Frank Clyde Peterson, 85, of Carthage Missouri, passed away into the loving arms of his Savior on Sunday, November 19, 2023 while surrounded by his family and the Lord. Born on May 8,1938 in Laurens, Iowa, he was the youngest of two children born to Gretchen and Clyde Peterson. Frank is survived by his older sister, Ardis Gustafson of Phoenix, Arizona, with whom he held a cherished relationship that lasted his entire life. The two siblings had a standing phone call that was a priority for them each on the first Saturday of the month. Frank graduated from Laurens high school in 1956 then attended college in Ames, Iowa and Devry technical school in Chicago, Illinois with a focus on engineering. Frank’s career path took him and his family on many adventures around the nation. Frank’s first and most loved job of his forty-five year career in research and development was with Sandia corporation. From this experience, Frank shared his four most important life lessons, both professionally and personally. Optimism in all aspects of your life Enthusiasm in your business dealings as well as your personal activities Initiative to take ownership of the responsibilities that have been assigned to you and/or you have agreed to Stick-to-it-tive-ness… do not quit, do not look back, do not slow down; look and go forward According to Frank, these four attributes will guide one to success. While working and building his family, Frank moved from North to South, then West and East. In 1977, Frank met the love of his life, Dianna, with whom he spent forty-six years of his life; the love affair between Frank and Dianna is one seen in the movies. On an unsuspecting day in March destiny brought the two together and devotion kept them together until the moment Frank took his last breath. The adoration Frank held for Dianna is beyond words. In their life together, the two had countless triumphs and challenges which they surmounted through their devotion to each other and to God. Frank held his role as leader of the family with pride and devotion throughout his life. Frank’s children described his influence and fatherly love in the following words: “He was a teacher and a leader who taught us to make decisions and stick by them with integrity and faith in the same ways that he lived.” “His love was as pure as the smile on his face. He showed me how to give and receive love, with abundance”. “He was a man of wisdom, integrity and honesty. He would never compromise the truth and, if he made a mistake, he would own and correct it”. Frank and Dianna’s love affair not only involved seven children, but also sixteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Frank’s grandchildren remember him as a stern man with loving arms; a dedicated and detail oriented role model; a passionate person with a strong work ethic; a devout family man with an infectious smile; a religiously dedicated man always willing to lend an outstretched hand. Frank was a cherished husband, father, grandfather and brother. After forty-six years of marriage and devotion to his family and Christ, we are honored to agree with the Lord in saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Frank was preceded in death by his father, Clyde Peterson, and his mother, Gretchen Peterson. He is survived by his beloved wife Dianna; five sons: Bruce, Mike and wife Karen, Mark and wife Linda, Frank Jr and wife Cathy, Dusty Sampson and wife Ila; two daughters, Heather Sampson and Ardis Lo; and cherished sister, Ardis Gustafson. A memorial service to celebrate Frank’s life will be held on Friday, November 24, 2023 at 10:30 am at Cornerstone Revival Center located at 220 W Main Street in Carterville, MO with Morris Cleveland (Frank’s brother in law) officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday evening November 22 from 6-8pm at the church. Following the memorial service will be a graveside burial at Old Pleasant View Cemetery in Weir, Kansas. Following the burial, Cornerstone Revival will be providing food at their church (address same as above).

Frank Clyde Peterson

May 8, 1938 - November 19, 2023