Gary Dale "Boss" Petersen

Gary Dale "Boss" Petersen, Age 81, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away on August 19, 2025. He was born on August 30, 1943 in Fort Benning, Georgia. Gary was the beloved son of Virginia (Phillips) Petersen Holmes and Marvin Henry Petersen.

Gary graduated from Fort Smith High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Arkansas. As a young man, he proudly served six years in the United States Air National Guard, where he was honorably discharged after dedicated service to his country.

Gary built a successful career as IT Director for Donrey Media Group, where his knowledge, work ethic, and leadership earned him the respect of his colleagues. On March 7, 2010, he married the love of his life, Susan (Spicer) Petersen, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Fort Smith-a day they cherished as the start of their greatest adventure together.

When his health allowed, Gary enjoyed golfing, traveling, and tending to his garden. He was an avid Arkansas Razorbacks fan and took pride in keeping things neat-often cleaning his already spotless garage just to make sure it stayed that way.

Above all, Gary will be remembered as a hardworking, kindhearted man and a devoted husband who loved spending time with his family and friends. His warmth, humor, and steadfast character will leave a lasting imprint on all who knew him.

Gary is survived by his loving wife, Susan (Spicer) Petersen; his son, Zak Adrian Petersen and wife Katy of Missouri; his step-son Greg Mobley and wife Ashley of North Little Rock, Arkansas; five grandchildren, Chantz and wife Salina, Alli and husband Bryson, Abbi, Andi, and Shandi; three great-grandchildren, Josiah, Annalise, and Waylen; two sisters, Virgina "GiGi" McBride, Cathy Manes; His nephew Scott McBride; and Niece, Kelli Manes.

He is preceded in passing by Virginia (Phillips) Petersen Holmes and Marvin Henry Petersen.

There will be a memorial service held at 11:00a.m. on September 9, 2025, at Cavanaugh United Methodist Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with Reverend Jana Green officiating. Will McBride, Willie Manes, Randy Phillips, and Jim Grady will serve as honorary Pallbearers. In Lieu of flowers, Gary's family asks that you make a donation to Cavanaugh United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 180602, Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72916. Donation Link: https://www.cavumc.org/give-online.html

Letter From the Susan:

Gary was a good man. Absolute truth. Another absolute truth was that he was a hard worker, especially regarding his yard work. He would work far longer than he should have while doing his "yard thing" and finally come inside completely worn out, but happy with the day's accomplishments. Looking forward to the next day's work.

Gary was a generous man. He enjoyed slipping a few dollars here and there to his grandchildren. He often anonymously paid for a stranger's meal when we were at a restaurant. He looked around at the various folks in a restaurant and found someone who was eating alone. Gary thought there must have been a story of loneliness and sadness with a person who happened to be eating alone, so he felt that providing the person with a free meal would offer a bit of cheer. It sure offered Gary some happiness, especially the secret giving. As we were driving home, he would imagine the person's surprise and delight at having a meal bought for them by a stranger.

Gary was a loving husband. If I needed something done around the house that required a man's touch, he would want to do it immediately, even if it was 9:00 in the evening! I finally learned to preface my request with "Not now, but sometime when you have a moment.... " Even saying that didn't always work. He was an immediate kind of guy.

During one of the many times that I had been taken to the emergency room, Gary was left alone in the waiting area for hours with no word from anyone about my condition. He later told me that a couple nearby was very unhappy about the long wait for her treatment, and eventually the man stood up and said to the woman, "I've had it with this waiting. I'm leaving now!" The woman begged him to stay with her, but he refused and did indeed walk away. Gary said they must have been on a date. Actually he said it more than once as he relayed the story to me. I asked why he thought they were on a date, and he responded "no man would treat his wife like that." I thought that was one of the sweetest things I had ever heard him say. Really touched my heart, and at that moment (2:30 in the morning), I fell in love with Gary all over again.

-Susan Petersen