Jerry "Bud" Watson Peterson

Jerry “Bud” Watson Peterson, 89, of Potwin, Kansas passed away July 20, 2025 in Wichita, Kansas.

He was born September 28, 1935 in Augusta, Kansas to Lorene Watson.

He graduated from El Dorado High School Class of 1953 and went on to earn an Associate’s of Arts degree from El Dorado Junior College and a Bachelor’s in Business degree from Wichita State University.

Jerry married Darlene Ann Biles on January 26, 1957 and they had two daughters, Machelle Ann and Lori Lynn.

Jerry began his career in farming and ranching in 1952 in Potwin, Kansas. Then in 1961 Jerry became the office manager of Circle E Ranch in Potwin, Kansas until 1964 when he was named a Vice President of Excel Corporation until 1979. That year Jerry was named the General Manager of Circle E Feedlot, a role he held until he retired in 1999.

Jerry was the director of the Kansas Livestock Association and chairman of the K.L.A.’s Cattle Feeder’s Council. He was the President of the Board of Directors for the Butler County Community College Endowment Association and a member of the National Cattlemen’s Association, the Potwin Lions Club and a Ducks Unlimited sponsor.

Jerry also served many years as Mayor of Potwin, Kansas and Proprietor of Bud’s Pub.

Jerry is survived by his daughters, Machelle Good and Lori Brown (husband, Kent) of Wichita; sister, Pam Spines (husband, Steve) of Dana Point, California; grandchildren, Kelsey Baker (husband, Brandon) of Wichita, Abby Clopton (husband, Austin) of Plainville, Connecticut, Courtney Scherzer (husband, Nate) of Prairie Village, Rob Lippold (wife, Krysta) of Leawood, Ben Lippold (wife, Emily) of Wichita; and four great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Camden Baker, and Watson and Rocco Lippold.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Darlene; mother, Lorene McCaleb; and grandparents, Clarence and Lida Watson.

Memorial service will be at 1:00 pm, Monday, July 28, 2025, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary (6555 E. Central, Wichita, KS). A reception will follow at Frontgate Clubhouse (455 N. Frontgate St, Wichita, KS).

Memorials or donations may be made to Wichita State Shocker Athletic Scholarship Organization, 1845 Fairmount St., Box 18, Wichita, KS 67260.