David Irving "Del" Peterson

David Irving Lang Peterson, or “Del”, as his friends and family called him, was born January 25, 1957. He passed away on December 29, 2015 at the age of 58. He was the son of Orville Max and Billie Louise Hamblin Peterson. His biological parents were David P. Lang and Joann Williamson. He came to the Peterson home sometime before October 1965, at the age of 7. He was adopted into the (Orville) Max and Billie Peterson family on March 7, 1972. He is survived by his siblings: Alan Porter, Julie & Marvin Kerby, Steven & Peggy Peterson, Catherine and Fred Smith, Frank & Beth Peterson, David Andrew Peterson; his aunt, WillaDean Lamb, his Uncle Van & Aunt Alicia Peterson, his uncle, Leo (deceased) & aunt, Jean Peterson, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. On his biological side, he is survived by his brother, John Lang and sisters: Shirley, and Collette Dawson. He will be dearly missed and remembered for his booming laugh, work ethic and his love of country! He was born in Tucson, Arizona to very humble circumstances and lived a very humble life. Details are few, but we do know that about the time that Del was 5 years old, his mother passed away. She had made lunch for her two boys – Del and Frank – and had sent them outside so that she could rest. By accident, she had left the gas stove burner on and when the flame blew out, she died from asphyxia, in her sleep. Del and Frank stayed to live with their father – we assume – with the hope that they could salvage a family out of such a tragedy. Sadly, this was not meant to be – the two boys found themselves moving in and out of foster care homes. After a couple of years, the boys finally came to live with Max and Billie Peterson and their five other children. Most of Del’s growing up years were in Snowflake, Taylor, Chandler and Woodruff, Arizona. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Sydney Australia Mission. His mission president was Loren C. Dunn, a man that Del loved and admired throughout his life. When he returned, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving for several years in Germany during the Cold War. He served over 25 years in the military throughout his life, including the U.S. Navy and the Army National Guard. In honor of his country, he risked his life serving in Libya. Next, he was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm.   Later, he returned to serve in Afghanistan. He won many awards for his marksmanship with a rifle. He was always in tremendous physical shape. He usually was able to out-perform newer and younger recruits, in running and doing push-ups during physical training drills. His final service was as a "Specialist" in the National Guard in the 222nd Transportation Company.  David P. Lang, Del’s biological father, was a Korean War hero and also received recognition in WWII. He received two Purple Hearts and was awarded a Gold Star of Honor in recognition of being the first POW to return from the Korean War. David P. Lang was honored by the President of the United States, Harry S. Truman as well as the Governor of New York. The father who raised Del, Orville Max Peterson, also served in World War II as a pilot, B24 navigator and Lieutenant in the Air Force. Del’s uncle, John Clyde Lamb, also served in the Merchant Marines.   His uncle, Leo Clarence Peterson, served as a Staff Sergeant in WWII. The legacy of military service was also woven into the life of his brother, Frank, who served in the Air Force as a young man. And last, but not least, his uncle, Grant Wampler, will always be remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice during WWII, at the Battle of The Bulge. As well as working in the military, he worked for many years in the construction industry; especially in concrete, working alongside his brothers, Frank and Steven. He was loved by many, and will be remembered for his tremendous unique sense of humor, work ethic and patriotic devotion to life, liberty and family! The funeral service will begin 10:00 A.M., Saturday, January 9, 2016, at the Lehi Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 830 E. Lehi Road in Mesa, Arizona, where the visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The concluding service and interment, with Military Honors, will begin 4:00 P.M. at the Lakeside Cemetery in Lakeside, Arizona. Arrangements are being cared for by Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel. Contributions: David Peterson, P.O. Box 247, Snowflake, AZ 85937.