Rex Lewis Peterson's Obituary
Rex Peterson celebrated his 94th birthday on May 5, 2024 at home in Centerville. He passed on May 26 at Centerville Specialty Care where he had been a resident since May 15.
Rex was born May 5, 1930, near Moulton, the son of Orth and Hazel (Adams) Peterson. He was the oldest of five children. The family moved to a farm near New Sharon where the youngest child was born, then to near Bussey. Rex graduated from Bussey High School in 1948. He went to work at a sandpit near Tracy.
His parents and three youngest siblings moved to a farm northwest of Plano. Rex later joined them to farm with his dad. Betty Lou DeVore lived on a neighboring farm. They were married on December 21, 1952. They purchased the farm adjourning his parents' farm. They had beef cattle, dairy cattle, hogs, and in early years sheep and chickens. In September 2019 his health problems prompted a move to Centerville. The farm was sold in early 2020. Rex missed his garage and space to tinker on lawn mowers, etc. He enjoyed mowing the yard at his daughters and keeping an eye on various construction projects around town.
Rex served the community on many committees over the years: Teagarden School Board, Extension Council, Board of Health, Hospital Board of Directors, Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council, Centerville Community Betterment, Appanoose County Republicans central committee, zoning board for northwest Appanoose County, and ARC. He was a 4-H leader for his son's club. He served on several committees for Appanoose County Farm Bureau and was the County Action Committee chair for many years.
Heart health ended Rex's life on the farm. He appreciated the care of the cardio rehab department staff at the Centerville hospital. Prostate cancer treated for over 24 years spread and complications had been plaguing Rex since early in 2023.
Betty passed on December 21, 2021. Rex is survived by two daughters, Barbara and Bonnie of Centerville, son Ronald (Sherri) of Albia; three grandchildren, Myka (Joe) Forrest, Dana (Chris) Black, and Aaron Peterson; and four great-grandchildren, Lydia, Gwen, Bethany, and Sterling. Survivors also include siblings and in-laws Deloris Jones, Norma (Roger) Wells, Max (Sandra) Peterson, Marilyn (Richard) Gorden; cousins; in-laws, Carlene DeVore, Patricia DeVore, and Rayetta Waddell, plus many nieces and nephews.
Per wishes, Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, June 29, at Thomas Funeral Home, Centerville from 10:30 to 1:30. A memorial has been established to the MercyOne Centerville Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Peterson Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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