SANFORD — David Hal Peterson, age 88, passed away peacefully Monday, Feb. 3, 2020 at his home in Albuquerque, N.M.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Wiford and Jennie Peterson; sisters, Maxine (Poulson), Olive (Reed), Mary June (Miller); and brothers, Lee, and Andrew Frank.  David is survived by his wife, Donna Marie (Wright); five children, daughters, Patricia (Steven Morgan), Karen (Ivan Holland), Catherine (Dale Smith) and Donna Jean (Craig Pettit); and son, Brad Peterson (Mary Prewitt).  David is also survived by two sisters, Jean (Davis) and Bonnie (Paulson-Peterson). 

David was also the proud grandparent to 23 grandchildren and 41 great-grandchildren.

David was born in Sanford on Saturday, Aug. 8, 1931. 

As a boy he loved to hunt, play basketball and pool; he was also a very shrewd card player.  He graduated from Sanford High School and went on to serve an LDS mission to Washington state. 

After his LDS mission, David met and married Donna Marie Wright of Alamosa. The two were married in the Mesa, Arizona LDS temple and were married 66 years. 

Shortly before marrying, David was drafted into the Korean War where he served as a Military Policeman at Fort MacArthur in San Pedro, Calif. 

Thereafter, David attended Adam State College where he graduated with honors in Mathematics and Chemistry. 

He also attended Arizona State College where he received a master’s degree in Mathematics. 

Upon graduation, David taught high school mathematics at Scottsdale High School — a job he loved. 

He later went on to work as a mathematician for various defense contractors and the weapons laboratory at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, N.M. 

During his tenure as a mathematician, David was recognized nationally for a number of his technical achievements. 

David also took a brief hiatus from the scientific community to work with his brother-in-law Dick Winters as a home builder in Colorado Springs and Farmington N.M. 

David and Dick also together pursued ranching and farming interests in the San Luis Valley.

David loved his family and was especially close to his grandchildren.

He never missed a teaching moment and loved to listen to their many musical talents and was proud of their educational achievements. 

He loved playing games of strategy with them and always had a sense of humor. 

He will be sorely missed but remain in our hearts forever.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 10 a.m. with a funeral service to follow 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 755 Main St, Sanford, CO 81151.

Interment to follow at Sanford Cemetery. Please visit our online guestbook for David at www.FrenchFunerals.com.