Richard L. Peterson, 76, of rural Rochester, passed at 12:15 a.m. Sunday, April 3, 2016, at his residence.

He was born on July 27, 1939, in Fulton County, to Harley and Bertha (Beard) Wynn and was adopted at an early age by Joe and Mary Isabelle (Drudge) Peterson.

He was married on April 8, 1962, in Mentone, to Jerilyn L. Craig, she survives. In previous years he had worked for Craig Welding. He worked in Law Enforcement in Fulton County as a Deputy, as well as in Akron and Mentone. He retired from the Indiana State Highway Dept.

He was 1959 graduate of Talma High School. He served his country in the Army National Guard. He was a member of the Riverview Community Church and a lifetime member of the NRA. He also was a member of the Mentone Masonic Lodge where he had been a 50 years member, F.O.P., and a founding member of the Blacktop Cruisers Car Club. He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Wickenburg, Ariz. He was a collector of all farm toys, model trains, and guns. He also was a fan of Elvis and the Green Bay Packers and was a Ford and John Deere man.

Survivors include wife: Jerilyn Peterson, Rochester; daughter: Diane (Rod) Eaton, Rochester; son: Chris (Dawn) Peterson, Mentone; seven grandchildren: Jared; Courtney; Missy; Tyler; Trenton; Trey; and Taylor; five great-grandchildren: Ryker; Jarhett; Owen; Brantlee; and Ellie; brother: Marvin (Nyla) Snyder, Argos; half-brother: Paul (Chris) Prilaman, Logansport; half-sister: Mae Swigart, Fla. He was preceded in death by parents: Joe and Mary Isabelle Peterson; biological parents: Harley and Bertha Wynn; son: Todd Peterson; sister: Sonja Gerig; half-brothers: Ernest; Lowell; Alfred; Paul; and Eli Wynn; Clide Zeiger; Donnie Prilaman; half-sisters: Ruth Roach and Delma Maudlin.

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, at King Memorial Home, Mentone. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 7, at King Memorial Home, Mentone, officiated by Pastor Rodney Ruberg. Burial will be at Sycamore Cemetery, Mentone.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Riverview Community Church or a charity of your choice.