Loren Eugene Peterson

Loren Eugene Peterson, age 89, of Andover, Kansas, passed to his heavenly home on Thursday, November 20, 2025. He was born in Wilsey, Kansas on November 3, 1936, to John L. Peterson and Naomi (Stover) Peterson.

He had a strong Christian faith and was baptized in the Wilsey Christian Church at the age of fourteen. He served as Deacon and Elder in churches in Wilsey, Council Grove, and Anthony, Kansas.

Loren graduated from Wilsey High School in 1954, and soon followed his high school sweetheart, Judy, to Wichita. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957, and was stationed in Bad Kreuznach, Germany with the 8^th Signal Battalion, where he served 18 months.  In 1961, his reserve unit was called back into service for a short time in support of the Berlin Airlift.

On February 14, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart, Judy, in the Wilsey Christian Church. To the marriage were born three children, Darcy, Darin, and Lory. They were happily married for over 65 years.

In 1964, Loren was the first employee hired with Tri-County Telephone in Council Grove, Kansas, as plant superintendent. He accepted the position as General Manager of KanOkla Telephone, in 1973, and moved the family to Anthony, Kansas, where they remained until his retirement in 1993. While at KanOkla Telephone, he served as Legislative Coordinator for the Kansas National Telecommunications Cooperative Association (NTCA) for 10 years; President for the State Independent Telephone Association; President for the Kansas NTCA; Chairman of the Board of Directors Communications Service & Supply Association; Vice-President of the Kansas Independent Networks; President of KIN Networks; President of KanOkla Cellular; and on the Advisory Board for Enid Cellular &  Pioneer Cellular. He was instrumental in bringing the first cellular networks throughout Kansas and northern Oklahoma.

After retirement, Loren and Judy became full time RVers. They enjoyed many adventures and traveled throughout the United States for the next 17 years, visiting  with family, and attending their grandchildren’s many activities and events. They made lifelong friends wherever they went and were members of Escapees and the Good Sam RV Clubs. These are among their most treasured memories, and they have the photos to prove it!

Loren was preceded in death by his father in 1983, his mother in 2000; and his sister, Vivian Dingus in 2022.

He is survived by his loving wife, Judith (Thomas) Peterson; daughter, Darcy (Scott) Eads of Andover, Kansas; son, Darin Peterson of Yukon, Oklahoma; daughter, Lory (Glen) Adams of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; grandchildren, Tyanne (Garrett) Hellums, Kyle (Loic) Adams, Alex (Evi) Eads, Kaitlyn Eads, Grant Eads, Corbin Peterson, Chandler (Maria) Peterson, and Cooper Peterson; great-grandchildren, Hudson and Hendrix Hellums, and Santiago Peterson; and one sister, Linda Hanson; numerous other relatives and friends.

Services will take place at a later date.

Contributions to his memory can be made to the Down Syndrome Society of Wichita, 734 S. Washington Ave, Wichita, Kansas 67211-2426; or the Wilsey Christian Church, 215 N. 3^rd St, Wilsey, Kansas 66873.

Arrangements in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.