Clarence Alvin Peterson of Salina, Kansas, passed away on March 6, 2024.  Born on January 31, 1927, he was 97 years old.  Clarence was the youngest son of Lawrence Albert Peterson and Mary M. Jennings.

Pete (as he liked to be called) was a veteran of World War II, joining the army after graduation.  Because of his height (6’3”) and high school experience, after completing basic training he played basketball for one of the Army’s state-side teams at Ft. Dix, New Jersey, prior to completing military service in Germany as a member of the Army of Occupation.

He married Audrey Thurland Crabtree Johnson on January 22, 1949.  They had one son, Kevin Richard Peterson.  Pete and Audrey were married 64 years until Audrey’s death in 2013.

Pete enjoyed sports.  Playing center in the Salina City League, he once scored 100 points in a single basketball game.  Pete was an avid handball player and was ranked one of the top players in Salina for many years.  He bowled for over 60 years, competed in many national tournaments, was elected to the Salina Bowlers Hall of Fame, and, at age 82, was named Salina Bowler of the Year – maintaining a 200 plus average in two different leagues.

Pete volunteered as a youth basketball coach, youth baseball coach, and Scouting assistant.  He worked at the Salina Supply Company for 43 years, retiring as their Director of Purchasing.  Following retirement, he volunteered at Salina Regional Hospital, served on the boards of St John’s Lutheran Church and Bethany Home, was a member of Salina Elks, VFW, past master of Lindsborg Masonic Lodge, Salina Consistory, and member of ISIS Shrine directors staff.  He loved his family and always enjoyed his many friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, wife Audrey, and older brother Charles Albert Peterson.  Pete is survived by his son Kevin Peterson, daughter-in-law Lynn Peterson, grandchildren Kip Peterson and Kendra Kreimendahl (Chad), and great grandchildren Corbin, Katelyn (Dawson Driggs), Kira, Claire, and Coltrane Kreimendahl.

A private graveside service will be held for the immediate family.  The family suggests memorials to the Salina Presbyterian Manor Good Samaritan Fund or St John’s Lutheran Church, Salina, care of Ryan Mortuary.