Melvin Alan Peterson

Melvin Alan "Al" Peterson was born on October 8, 1929, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Melvin and Helen (Nicholson) Peterson. Al grew up in Oklahoma City and graduated from Classen High School. He was an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma and an active member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

In junior high, Al met his first wife, Margaret Esther Wilkins, who preceded him in death in 1992. They were married for 41 years and together had 2 sons, Charles Alan and Phillip Burton.

Al served as a lieutenant in the United States Air Force for 2 years followed by a long career at the Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (now AT&T), most notably as a Division Manager of Personnel. His career included assignments in several locations in Kansas and New Jersey ending in Topeka, Kansas, where he retired in 1991.

In 1994, Al married B. Darline Jaquith. Al and Darline shared nearly 22 years together, traveling between communities of friends in Litchfield Park, Arizona and Topeka, Kansas.

Known by family as the scratch golfer, Al had at least four hole-in-ones during his golf career. He was Club Champion at Prairie Dunes Country Club in Hutchinson, Kansas and won several father/son tournaments. He enjoyed his retirement golfing with his wife, Darline, at their favorite golf courses. Their memberships included Prairie Dunes Country Club, Shawnee Country Club, Topeka Country Club, and The Wigwam in Arizona where he and Darline were the Wigwam Couples Tournament Champions twice.

Al was dedicated to his long career and valued caring for and spending time with his beloved family. His spirit of generosity showed in the donations he and Darline made to Brewster Place. Together, he and Darline contributed to a new kitchen and lounge area for residents and guests to enjoy.

Al passed away peacefully with his wife and family by his side on December 22, 2015. He is survived by wife, Darline; sons, Charles (Deborah), and Phil (Starla); six grandchildren, Samantha (Jay) Lowe, Staff Sergeant Marc (Alyssa) Peterson, Claire, Alan, Autumn, and Tim Peterson.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 24, 2015, at Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave., Topeka. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, at the Mid-Town Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in his name to Brewster Place Foundation, 1205 SW 29th Street, Topeka, KS 66611 or a charity of your choice.

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