Marlin “Pete” “Bill” Verlyn Peterson, 80 of Clay Center, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the Clay County Medical Center surrounded by family.  He was born on July 27, 1941, the son of Pete and Edith (Graves) Peterson in Clay Center.

Pete Grew up in the Clifton area and attended the Pleasant Peak School.  He graduated from Clifton High School in 1959.  He joined the U.S. Army and served for 3 years and was a proud veteran.  Pete was a loyal and dedicated employee at Hutchinson/Mayrath for over 42 years as the shipping clerk.

He married Brenda Trahan at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Miltonvale, Kansas on September 16, 1972.  To this union a daughter was born, Tamara Kay.  They made their home in or near Clay Center fro almost 50 years.

Pete had a prestigious collection of Native American artifacts, all were personal finds in Clay and Washington Counties.  He won several awards from the Kansas Archeological Society over the years for his personal find collections.  He is listed and pictured in several editions of “Who’s Who In Indian Artifacts.”

Pete was also a devoted and serious KU basketball fan and even got to meet with Coach Bill Self.

He is preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, Delmer, LaVerne and Glemo and a sister, Marcine Johnson.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda Peterson; daughter, Tamara Wallace; granddaughters, Jaycee Aikman, Addie Wallace and Molly Wallace; great grandson, Hunter Lee Aikman and many nieces and nephews

Memorial services will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022 at 10:30 AM at the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center, Kansas.

Inurnment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center, Kansas.

Visitation will be from 9:30 AM until service time on Friday, July 22, 2022 at the SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Clay Center, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Clay Center Carnagie Library or to CCARE and can be sent c/o the funeral home.