Thomas John Peterson

Thomas John Peterson, known to most as TJ, was born March 25, 1933 to George and Pet (Linthicum) Peterson at their home in Sturkie, Arkansas. He departed this life on October 6, 2022 at his home in Bakersfield Missouri. He was 89 years 6 months and 12 days old. He was united in marriage to his late wife Ruby Caroline (Kinsey) in February 1969 later that year they welcomed a beautiful daughter, Teresa J. Peterson into their lives. After Ruby’s passing on July 28, 1977, TJ met his wife Beatrice (Lister) Dougherty (Bea). They were united in marriage on October 14, 1979 in Bakersfield, Missouri, where he welcomed with open arms two additional daughters, Donna (Dougherty) Deeley and Brenda (Dougherty) Brown. TJ is a proud U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean War. After his time in the military, he lived his life as a dozer operator, sawmill owner/operator, logger, carpenter, farmer, and a business owner with his wife Bea. As he would say he was a “jack of all trades and master of none”. TJ was a member of the Church of Christ where he accepted the Lord as his savior in 1979. TJ enjoyed hunting, fishing, spending time with his family and friends telling stories of his life, and most of all teaching all his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, the many great things and lessons he learned throughout his life.
TJ is survived by his wife of 43 years Bea Peterson; his three children, Teresa J. Peterson, Donna (Larry) Deeley, and Brenda (Jim) Brown; 12 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, Devin Reihm (Sandra) and their 4 children, Tiffany J. McPherson (Philip) Buckingham and their 6 children, Brandy (Daniel) Liles and their 2 children, Nicolle Brown, Tyler (Stephanie) Brown and their 3 children, Austin Brown, Savannah Brown (Bridger) and their 2 children, Larry (Stephanie) Deely III and their 2 children, David (Becky) Hickman and their 2 children, Daniel (Andrea) Hickman, Cody (Marissa) Deeley and their 2 children, and Wyatt Deeley (Micah) who are expecting their first baby; a special Nephew, JD (Michelle) Hammond and Niece, Evelyn (Dale) Reynolds. He leaves many other very loved family and friends.
TJ is preceded in death by his parents, George & Pet Peterson; his late wife, Ruby Caroline Peterson; son, Steven Dougherty; 3 brothers, Raymond, Allan and J. Clinton; 4 sisters, Esta, Leslie, Ruby, and Vesta; a grand-daughter, Cynthia Reihm; and many other loved ones.
A celebration of life will be held on October 22, 2022 at 5420 Highway 5 N Gassville, Arkansas 72635 from 1-3pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Century Bank of the Ozarks (Bakersfield Branch) in the family's name.
Arrangements are by Kirby and Family Funeral and Cremation Services - Mountain Home, Arkansas. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com .