August John Peterson

August John Peterson, 85, passed away peacefully on April 30^th, 2022 with his wife of 62 years by his side holding hands.

His children called him Dad, family and relatives called him AJ, friends knew him as Pete, but most called him Papa.

He was born on April 21^st, 1937 in Bay St. Louis, MS.  After graduating from Bay High School, he joined the Marine Corps in 1955, as one of the youngest recruits.  He was a decorated Marine, served in Vietnam and received Presidential recognition.  While stationed in Australia, he met the love of his life, Beryl.  They soon began a loving marriage (March 5^th, 1960) and together raised three children.

After serving faithfully and honorably for 29 years, he retired proudly as a Master Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.  After retiring from Active Duty, he then worked as an electrician at Ingalls Shipbuilding for 20 years, retiring as an electrical supervisor; loved by all his crew.

His awards from the United States Marine Corps include the Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Navy Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal with 5 stars, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service with 6 stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Mast 1971, Rifle Badge (Marksman), and Pistol Badge (Sharpshooter). 

He was a selfless man and enjoyed the simple things in life.  He loved camping and traveling with his wife and dogs (Zoie and Maggie).  He loved to grill and enjoyed watching football and rooting for the New Orleans Saints.

He is survived by his wife, Beryl Peterson; his children, Lori Jacobs (Steven), Paul Peterson, Christine ‘Tina’ Walker (Christopher); his 6 grandchildren, Kenneth Jacobs (Monica), Rachel Weinberg (Benjamin), Austin Walker, Alyssa Jacobs, Joshua Walker, and Ashley Peterson; 4 great-grandchildren, August Jacobs, Prentiss Weinberg, Lucas Walker, and Nora Weinberg.

A visitation will be held from 9am-10am with a service at 10am on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 all at Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs. Burial will follow at 11am at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve the family of Mr. August Peterson.