Wayne E. Peterson

Wayne E. Peterson, 58, went home to be with his Lord and Savior February 18, 2017. He was born to Roy Allan and Elsie L. Peterson August 16, 1958 in Battle Creek.

Wayne was a resident of the local area most of his life. He graduated in 1977 from Battle Creek Central High School and the Area Vo-Education Center. After graduation, he moved to California where he worked for a short time in his aunt's ceramic business. While there he married his wife Vickie M. Betts in March of 1978. They returned to Michigan where he was employed by the Grand Trunk R.R. for 28 years. He enjoyed the R.R. and the challenges of the rail line. He was a machine operator for the track department, working his way up to Senior Crane Operator until health issues required a disability retirement in 2007.

Wayne loved hunting, fishing and camping, with family and friends. He was very talented with carpenter tools, having a large workshop at his home. He enjoyed building pole barns with his father and brothers or just small projects for his own enjoyment.

Wayne was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, where he was cherished by all who attended. He greeted everyone with a cheery smile and a kiss on the hand for the ladies. The children were drawn to him by his sweet personality. Wayne loved his Savior and wanted everyone to know that.

He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Vickie, his mother Elsie Peterson, brothers Darrell (Connie) Peterson, Ted Peterson, (whom he shared a birthday with) Steven, and Douglas (Dawn) Peterson, 31 nieces and nephews, 29 great-nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins from California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington; and his Church Family.

Wayne was preceded in death by his father, paternal and maternal grandparents, cousin Eric Peterson, uncle Frank Loser and aunts, Ruth Peterson and Betty Syme.

Visitation will be Friday, February 24, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A memorial service to celebrate Wayne's life will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 25 at Calvary Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Thomas C. Townsend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.