Clarence L. Peterson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Clarence passed away peacefully in his Carpinteria home of 67 years on July 10th, 2017. Clarence was born on a farm in Gresham, Nebraska, in 1920. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 52 years, June Wasson, and his four siblings. He is survived by his 4 children- Randy, Sandy, Gary, Terri, 8 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. In 1937, the Petersons came to California following the Wullbrandts and Barbers who left Nebraska during the depression. In 1938, he graduated from Carpinteria High where he was an all round athlete but baseball was his game and he was honored to be voted MVP. He later worked at the Lemon Packing House before moving to LA for a short time to work at Lockheed on P38s. In 1944 he proudly served in the Navy. In 1945, in partnership with his family, they opened Peterson's Café in Carpinteria at the corner of Carpinteria Ave. (Hwy 101) and Linden Ave. It was there he met his future wife June when she came to work at the café and they married that same year. After the café, he went to work for Golden State Dairies which later became Foremost (McKesson) and spent most of his 34 years with the company in the Ventura office retiring as the District Manager for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. Clarence was very proud to be a charter member of both Faith Lutheran Church in Carpinteria which held its first service in 1959 and of the Ventura Lions Breakfast Club which began in the 1970s. Throughout the years, he served in many different roles in both organizations including the actual construction of the church and of the Lions Braille Trail in Ojai. Throughout his long life his family, friends and steadfast faith were most treasured. His memory and ability to remember details was legendary. From the history of his Nebraska farm life to the early history of Carpinteria, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties he was a wealth of knowledge. He was a humble, honorable man full of kindness and faith. Clarence will be sorely missed and forever loved! A graveside service will be held at the Carpinteria Cemetery on Thursday, September 14, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Faith Lutheran Church.

Clarence L. Peterson

July 27, 1920 - July 10, 2017