2023 11/25 – Thomas ‘Tom’ Ray Peterson

Thomas ‘Tom’ Ray Peterson, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN. It was time to let go and join his family and friends who had preceded him in death.

Tom was born the sixth child of Guy Ermon Peterson and Mary Evelyn (Baker) Peterson on March 25, 1941, in Nason, IL. Tom married Nancy Jean Baltzell on April 14, 1963. Tom was a hard-working and dedicated employee of the Illinois Central Railroad, working as a trainman for 40 years before retiring.

Tom had many interests throughout his life and traveling with Nancy was on the top of the list. They enjoyed traveling East to Virginia and the Smokey Mountains and West to many of the National Parks. Traveling to see their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as often as possible puts the biggest smile on his face. He enjoyed sports of all kinds (baseball, basketball & horse racing), going to county and state fairs, and most especially hunting (Deer and Turkey). Tom would notoriously get ready for hunting trips weeks in advance. His favorite bird dog ‘Big John’ loved to romp around the woods as much as Tom did. With family and friends, he would annually hold a cookout sharing his bountiful harvest and tales of his hunting adventures. Tom was a sports enthusiast; he loved the St. Louis Cardinals and would watch ‘nap’ until the top of the 9th inning. He also loved watching college basketball and always cheered for the Kentucky Wildcats. Tom was an active person never wanting to sit still or be inside too long. He loved going for drives in his truck and finding new places to eat. One that he reminisced and talked about often was the ‘Purple Pie Place’ in Custer, SD.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Mary Peterson, his father- and mother-in-law, Durwood and Mary Lucille Baltzell, his brothers, sister and their spouses, James Peterson and Margie Belle (Clinton, IL), Bobbie Joe ‘Col. Pete’ and Phylis Peterson (Mt Vernon, IL), Helen Imogene ‘Peterson’ Lance and Coy (Waltonville, IL) Marlin ‘Red’ Peterson & Patricia (Mt Vernon, IL). His Brother-in-Laws, Joel Beckham (Decatur, IL), Tommy Sursa (Mt. Vernon, IL), and Bill Neal (Decatur, IL)

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nancy Jean (Baltzell) Peterson of Salem, IL, and their 3 children, Steve (Valerie) Peterson of West Point, IL; Joyce (Michael) Murphy of Salem, IL; Don (Cindy) Peterson, of Grayslake, IL. They also have 6 beautiful grandchildren, Tyler (Jody) Murphy, Wentzville, MO; Samantha ‘Sam’ Murphy, Salem, IL; Shelby (Jordan) Rauch, Loraine, IL; Kayla (Isaac) Taber, Monmouth, IL; Zachary Peterson, Grayslake, IL and Olivia Peterson, Grayslake, IL. Tom was especially smitten with his 4 great-grandchildren Landry Rauch, Kellan Murphy, Tripp Rauch, and Keegan Murphy, as well as two more on the way. Tom is also survived by his older sister, Margie Beckham Neal (Decatur, IL), Sister-in-laws Elisabeth (Jim) Coleman (Oak Forest, IL), Mary Jane Sursa (Mt. Vernon, IL). As well as numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, November 25, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home in Salem, IL. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:30 am until the time of service at the Funeral Home. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Bald Knob Cross of Peace or the Organization of your choice and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home 310 North Broadway/ PO Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62801, (618)548-1234, who is honored to be of service to the Peterson Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland Funeral Homes Facebook Page.