Benjamin William Peterson
May 5, 1941 ~ November 18, 2025
Benjamin William Peterson, 84, of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully and went home to be with our Lord and Savior on November 18, 2025. Ben was born on May 5, 1941, in Marion, Indiana. He was the beloved son of Janet V. and Ernest Ray Peterson.
He graduated from Chula Vista High School in Chula Vista, CA in 1959. As an accomplished saxophonist, he earned many scholastic music awards. This talent carried him through an enlistment with the United States Navy playing in the sanctioned US Navy Band. He also served aboard the USS Raleigh (LPD-1). During his military service, he met and married Amelia Armstrong Peterson.
In the early 1970's Ben and his family moved to Palestine, Texas and for many years owned an upholstery shop that served the East Texas region. In later years Ben was employed by Bariod as a drilling fluids specialist in the oil industry where he retired in 1991.
Ben also was blessed with a beautiful voice and loved to sing hymns and share the gospel of Christ through song. His wife, "Mimi" was a gifted pianist and would often accompany him. During his stay in nursing homes over the past two years, he enjoyed singing to the other residents and staff. In addition to his music, he was a talented woodcrafter and fantastic cook.
He was recently preceded in death by his beautiful bride of 62 years, Amelia "Mimi" Peterson on October 16, 2025. Ben was also preceded in death by parents, Janet and Ernest Peterson, and sister, Cleo Ann Smith.
Ben is survived by his children, William L. "Billy" Peterson, Michael K. "Mike" Peterson, and Rebecca L. "Becky" Goodman and their families.
PROVERBS 3: 5-6 was a favorite verse of Holy Scripture that Ben often quoted throughout his life and actively engaged in loving conversations about Jesus with anyone who would listen.
Honoring his wishes, a private family gathering will be held at a later date to reflect and celebrate his life.
Cremation services for Benjamin William Peterson are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.
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It is with a personal and heavy heart to bid farewell to my uncle William “Ben” Peterson, a remarkable man in his own right, whose life was a testament to diverse passions and service. His journey was one of dedication and humility, touching the lives of many through his various callings.
He served his country with honor, a US Navy veteran who carried the values of discipline and integrity throughout his life. This same sense of duty extended to his family, where he strived to be a pillar of strength, a loving father whose humor and wisdom guided those he held dear.
His hands, though capable of the demanding work on an oil rig as a key component as a chemical engineer, or reupholstering a fine Devan, also found delicate expression in two very different arenas. The soulful melodies of his saxophone and vocal in tonalities of his voice, a gift of music that spoke volumes where words were few to describe it, and in quieter moments, his meticulous spirit found joy in the intricate world of “U” Controlled and RC planes, along with Flight simulations, as a private escape where he could soar with his creations and love of flight. (He even let me wreck one he just built ones, by accident of course!)
Above all, his life was anchored by his faith. As a minister of the gospels, he embodied humility and grace, ministering to the spiritual needs of his community with a gentle heart. He walked his path with quiet conviction, a true servant whose life was the sermon.
We remember a man of many parts—a veteran, a father, a musician, a worker, a minister, and a hobbyist—yet in all these roles, he remained simply and profoundly himself. His memory will continue to inspire and resonate deeply with all who had the privilege of knowing him. I have many personal profound memories of growing up around him, even in the early years when he would drive around in his cherished, Nash Metropolitan! Top down, cruising along a southern California beach front, living life to the full. See Ya one day in the heavily places Uncle!
Hi, Ben. It’s me, Jeff. I heard you were just called home and I wanted to make sure that you know I remember my own interactions with you as being very pleasant. You know I’ve done what I can to help my wife Lena raise your precious grandchildren , Charlotte and Christopher. They’re pretty much all grown up and raising your great-grandchildren now. They’re are all such beautiful children. I only wish they could have known you more before you went home. I remember quite fondly the first time I met you there in Palestine, TX. We talked about quite a number of things all pretty inclusive of God and family. Another thing you shared with me was your love of trains, specifically the elaborate train set you appear to have spent so many hours developing and building in your garage. That was quite a site to see. When you opened the door to this place of yours, your face shone bright with pride over your creation as the child at Christmas who just discovered the greatest thing (besides Gods grace) they’ve ever received. I will never forget that, Ben. Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I feel good when I think of it. Anyways, I wouldn’t mind having the opportunity to speak to you again more over the years. I pray that you are resting peacefully in the house of our Lord God Almighty and that with his grace, we will meet again. Rest in peace, Ben; it was good to me having known you. May you receive his blessings and his mercy. 🙏