Nathaniel Peterson

Nathaniel “Nate” Peterson, 87, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the only child born on August 11, 1936, in Pulaski, Tennessee, to William Benjamin Peterson and Lucy Mae Daly. Although his birth certificate erroneously indicated his birth date as August 13, 1936, he considered this as his date of birth throughout his life.

At the age of eighteen, Nate enlisted in the US Navy for a 4-year term, beginning August 10, 1955, at the rank of Seaman Recruit (SR) in Nashville, Tennessee. He achieved Seaman (SN) rank on April 1, 1956. On August 22, 1957, Nate transferred to reserve to be stationed at Commandant 9th Naval District in Great Lakes, Illinois. His reserve term ended on August 9, 1961. His last duty assignment was Supply Division, USS Rochester, CA. His character of service was noted as Honorable. His total active service term was 2 years and 13 days, with foreign and/or sea service term of 1 year, 9 months, and 12 days. During his time in the military, he successfully completed service training courses for Ship’s Serviceman (Third class) and Petty Officer Third Class.

Nate was a loving husband to his wife, Geraldine King, who preceded him in death. Together, they had two daughters, Kelley (47) and Courtney (45), who he raised after his wife’s passing. Prior to his marriage to Geraldine, he was also the proud father of five children Eric (61), Antoine (Tony, 57), Erica (57), Shaun (56), and Kevin (55). He often spoke fondly of how well all his children were doing and how they must follow their mothers.

Nate knew no strangers and would engage in conversation with anyone who would lend an ear. He enjoyed recounting family history and his active life as a man of color growing up in the 1950s and 1960s. His stories and wittiness will be missed by all who knew him.

Nate’s life led him to travel to and live in various states. He was a strong blue-collar worker, with his last employment being as a factory worker in Indianapolis. He had several opportunities for advancement in his career in Indianapolis and other states; however, he chose to remain as a regular worker to afford time to raise his two young daughters. Nate enjoyed reading the newspaper, working crossword puzzles, and reading chapters in the Bible. In his younger years and weather permitting, he enjoyed taking walks to the local grocery store to grab a few snacks and play his favorite lottery numbers. He was an avid sports-watcher, with no preferential treatment given to any team. Earlier in life, he befriend Carlton Reed, with whom, he had been best friends for over 40 years. They frequently enjoyed taking walks together around Glendale mall. Their respective families spent many years and fun times together.

Nate was preceded in death by his father (William B. Peterson), maternal grandmother (Willie Bell Jones Daly), wife (Geraldine Elizabeth Peterson), mother (Lucy Mae Daly), uncle (Marion Daly), son-in-law (Welton Greene), uncle (Clifton Peterson), and grandson (Rashon Peterson). He is survived by children Eric Peterson, Tony Peterson, Erica Greene, Shaun (Melissa) Peterson, Kevin Brown, Kelley (Chrisantos) Wekheye, and Courtney (Cory) Alexander; 12 grandchildren, Blair (Erica), Kevin, Jr. (Kevin), Summer (Tony), Camryn (Courtney/Cory), Kennedi (Courtney/Cory), Kennedy (Kevin), Cade (Courtney/Cory), Malik (Shaun), Khalid (Shaun), Hasim (Shaun), Amaya (Shaun), and Saidah (Shaun); uncle Edward (Red) Peterson, best friend Carlton (Doris) Reed, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.

The service will be held on Tuesday, February 6th at 12:00 PM at Indiana Funeral Care, Harry W. Moore Chapel, with the visitation being at 10:00 AM until the service time.

The burial will be at New Crown Cemetery, Valor Hill, with Navy open arms and flag.