Jean Chevalier Peterson

Jean Chevalier Peterson of Concho, Apache County, Arizona passed away in May of 2012 at Sierra Blanca in Lakeside, Navajo County, Arizona. He was 97. Jean was born to the late Fred and Mildred (Watson) Peterson in July of 1914 in Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan. Jean enlisted in the United States Army in January 1941 as a Private 1st Class serving in WWII and the Korean Conflict. At the rank of Corporal he was recommended for OCS, Officers Candidate School, and after 4 short months he came out as a Captain. For such advancement in rank he was often referred to as a 90 day wonder. Jean was a tank officer for General George Patton in North Africa, France and Germany, taught at the War College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas and served as a military technical advisor to the movies. After 30 years of honorable service to his country he retired in 1974 as a Colonel. Following his retirement he and his late wife, Grayce, purchased a 48ft. sail boat from the famous movie star, Jane Powell, and sailed for 7 years. He lived in Sedona, Arizona from 1978-1996 before moving to the White Mountains in the spring of 1996. Jean married Carol McPherson in Sedona and they enjoyed 16 wonderful years of marriage together before his passing. Always courteous he was never negative and always spoke kind words. Jean was always telling people "to lean forward in your boots" or when asked "on a scale of 1-10 how do you feel" he would always reply "15" or "I'm fine as frog's hair." A charming and delightful man he will be truly missed. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Peterson of Concho, Arizona; a daughter, Gaylia Wilfong of San Diego, California; 5 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Pauline Peterson of Harbor City, California as well as a niece, Cheryl Peterson also of Harbor City, California. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Paul Peterson. Private services will be held.