John Peterson

CARBONDALE - John Landers Peterson, age 80, of Carbondale, Illinois, passed away March 21, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

John was born January 13, 1945, in Alton, Illinois, to Oma Leah and Forrest Peterson. He married the love of his life Barbara (Carroll) Birkhimer on February 9, 1973, at the First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale and enjoyed over 52 years together.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Jason R. (Maria Aguirre) Peterson from Winnetka, California, and Jason's daughter, Caitlyn Castil of Naperville, Illinois; one daughter, Jenni D. (Ronald) Ross and their children, Kaitlyn and Samuel, of Fenton, Missouri, and several nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Calhoun High School in Hardin, Illinois, lettering in all athletics. John attended Western Illinois University for two years and then graduated from McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois, in 1967, where he received a BS in Education and was a member of Phi Pho Chi Social Service Society.

During his employment years, John taught and coached at Hononegah High School in Rockton, Illinois; worked for two insurance companies; part owner of Century Sports, Incorporated in Carbondale; salesman for Cardinal Associates, Vincennes, Indiana; Co-Owner of Saluki RV Sales in Carbondale; and owned Landers Leasing, a video rental business.

John and Barbara greatly enjoyed attending SIU Carbondale sporting events and following nephew Kirk Reuter's career in pitching baseball. Kirk's adventure included Murray State University, parts of four seasons with the Montreal Expos, and 10 years with the San Francisco Giants.

John was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club and a 50+ Life member of the Elks Lodge in Carbondale. For several years, he coordinated the Carbondale Elks Hoop Shoot Contest which led to John and Barbara Peterson being named Carbondale Elks Family of the Year in 2013 - 2014, and John being Elk of the Year in 2015. 

A gathering to celebrate John's life will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Eagles Club, 1206 West Linden Street, Carbondale, Illinois, from 2-4 p.m. Come and enjoy food, drinks, stories, and memories with John's family and friends.

Because of John and Barbara's love for animals, memorial gifts are suggested for St. Francis Community Animal Rescue & Education, Inc., 6228 Country Club Road, Murphysboro, IL 62966.

Meredith Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. To view the obituary, leave a condolence or memory of John, visit www.meredithfh.com.