Rickey Dean Peterson

Rickey Dean Peterson, more commonly known as "Rick", age 71, of Martinsville, Indiana, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, October 12th, 2025. His life began on Wednesday, December 23rd, 1953, in Edinburgh, Indiana, at Camp Atterbury, to Richard B. Peterson and Barbara (Baker) Peterson. Rick proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1972–1978, during which time he earned his engineering degree. Following his military service, he began working for J.W. Jones in Paragon before joining ITW Gema in Indianapolis, where he spent many dedicated years. Most recently, he was employed by the MSD of Mooresville as a school bus driver, a role he truly enjoyed. A man of grit, humor, and loyalty, Rick was known for his love of life and passion for speed and the open road. In earlier years he loved riding his Harley-Davidson and spending time outdoors, specifically deer hunting. He was an Indianapolis 500 fanatic and had not missed a single race since he was 10 years old. Sports were a lifelong love as well, and he was a faithful fan of IU basketball and IU football, the Indianapolis Colts, the Indiana Pacers, and the Chicago Cubs. Even as his health declined in recent years, his spirit remained strong, and he never lost his love for the things and people that mattered most his family and above all, his pride and joy, daughter, Kayla Renee. He will be remembered and missed deeply by his family and friends including his daughter, Kayla Renee Peterson of Mooresville, IN; father, Richard Peterson of Bloomington, IN; brothers, Greg Peterson of Nashville, IN, and Kevin Kilgore of North Vernon, IN; and sisters, Julie (husband, Phillip) Wilson of Martinsville, IN, and Debra Clemons of Indianapolis. Rick was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Barbara and Bob Kilgore, and a sister, Diana Ford. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held in Rick's honor on Saturday, November 1st, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Martinsville American Legion, 701 E. Morgan Street, Martinsville, Indiana. Family and friends are invited to come and share memories, laughter, and stories as they celebrate a life well lived. In honoring Rick's final wishes, his earthly remains will be cremated. He was a proud supporter of the Wounded Warriors Project and the family has asked that contributions be made in lieu of flowers to the WWP fund in Rick's memory at https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org. Memories and condolences are encouraged to be shared with the family online at www.nealandsummers.com