It is with deep sorrow that we announce that retired Navy Cmdr. John R. Peterson died April 5, 2025, at the age of 90. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and community servant, John leaves behind a remarkable legacy of honor, service and love.

Born Aug. 28, 1934, in St. Paul, Minnesota, John was the son of retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer John Alexander Peterson and Eleanor Melby Peterson. John earned his bachelor’s degree in social science from Chapman University in Orange, California, and pursued graduate studies in systems management at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. John married the love of his life, Kay Vivian Vetters Peterson, in May 1956.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay Peterson; his parents, John Alexander and Eleanor Peterson; his sister, Joanna Fraser; brother-in-law, Bob Fraser; his niece, Alison Battle; a nephew, Robert Austin Fraser; and John’s beautiful yellow labrador, Ginger.

He is survived by his loving daughter Nancy Smart and her husband, Marvin Smart; his proud grandson, Tyler Fleming and wife Stacy Jones-Fleming; two nieces, Whitney Baez and Samantha Girard, and numerous cousins.

He is also survived by dear friends at Franklin Park and his cherished neighbors, the Beaton family.

John’s family was his greatest joy. He lived a life defined by his commitment to faith, family and service, always striving to make the world a better place.

John served his country with distinction in the U.S. Navy, earning him the respect and admiration of his fellow servicemen and women. His unwavering commitment to duty, integrity and excellence was a testament to his character.

One weekend, when John was just 19, he and a friend decided during a drive from Chula Vista to Long Beach, California, to take the test to become naval aviators. Neither of them had ever been on a plane.

Just two weeks later, they were headed to flight school in Pensacola, Florida. That spontaneous decision launched John into a five-year career as a carrier pilot aboard the USS America.

Another memorable moment in John’s service was being stationed at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., during the Cuban Missile Crisis. During that tense time, he was allowed just one phone call, to his wife Kay, telling her, “I’ll be home when this is over!”

A Rotarian since 1994, John has served as president of the Rotary Club of Boerne, has also assisted the District Youth Exchange Committee and was his club’s youth exchange counselor.

In 1997, his club awarded John “Rotarian of the Year.” John has also served as assistant governor and centennial district governor from 2004-2005 and has served on the staff of several Rotary Institutes.

John is a Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Bequest Society, a sustaining member and charter member of District 5840 Paul Harris Society. He was awarded the Past Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman Award for distinguished and dedicated service to scouting by the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians.

John’s civil duties outside of the “Rotary World” include serving the city of Boerne on the Planning and Zoning Commission, Boerne City Council, and district judge for many voting polls throughout Kendall County. He also served as a board member of the Hill Country Pregnancy Care Center.

One of his proudest moments was his involvement in the Early Act Program at Boerne ISD and the Knighting Ceremony, which promoted “Service above Self.” He was known by thousands of school children as “Papa John,” a name he held dearly, given to him by his grandson, Tyler.

John was very active in his church, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church for years, serving as an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, hospitality minister, sacristan and fourth degree Knight of Columbus. He also served as the Faithful Navigator for the Knights.

John earned his Eagle Scout rank in 1951, along with the prestigious Bronze Palm. He proudly lived by the motto “Once an Eagle, Always an Eagle,” carrying that honor with him throughout his life.

He never left scouting behind. He received the District Award of Merit from the National Capital Area Council, the Distinguished Commissioner Award and the Silver Beaver Award in 1996, and is a Wood Badge Scouter.

He has served as a scoutmaster, unit commissioner, assistant district commissioner, district commissioner and chairman of the Eagle Scout Board of Review.

He was the founder and charter member of Troop 18 at St Peter’s Catholic Church which has yielded hundreds of youths in scouting and many of those to the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

In tribute to John Peterson’s enduring legacy, his family invites you to support a cause that was close to his heart, Day 1 Bags — https://day1bags. org/donate/ — a nationwide nonprofit committed to restoring dignity to youth in foster care. John played a pivotal role in the mission, mentoring the founder Hunter Beaton when the initiative first began as an Eagle Scout project under John’s guidance.

Your meaningful gift will carry forward John’s compassion and unwavering belief that every child deserves to be seen, valued and treated with respect.

The Rosary and Funeral Mass will be held April 21 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Visitation begins at 10 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 11 a.m. and Mass at 11:30 a.m. A reception will follow in the Cana Ballroom.

He will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on April 22.

Rest in peace, Cmdr. Peterson. Your service, love and devotion will never be forgotten.

Services entrusted to Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home; to leave condolences to the family please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com.