Melvin Peterson

Melvin (Mel) Peterson passed away at the age of 88 on March 7, 2008 in Rancho Mirage, California. A resident of Indian Wells, CA since 1987, Mel is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years Adele S. Peterson, his daughters Jane Matanga and Karen Peterson, son-in-law Ben Matanga and granddaughter Nora K. McCartin. Also surviving him are his cousin Charles Bard of Florida and his sister and brother-in-law Anne and Bill Welsh of Savannah, Georgia and three nephews and one niece. Mel was born in Muskegon, Michigan on September 1, 1919 to Oscar and Esther Peterson. He attended Muskegon High School, where he played football and was captain of the varsity basketball team. He attended Michigan State University, and played with distinction on both the varsity basketball and football teams. He graduated from MSU in 1942, enlisted in the US Navy, and proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the South Pacific during World War II. During his life he and his family resided in Tokyo, Japan; Frankfurt, Germany; Connecticut and Winnetka, Illinois before retiring to California. Mel worked for James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Chicago for over 25 years, and was President of Jim Beam's International Division. He traveled throughout Europe, Asia, South America and the Middle East, and was a respected member of numerous trade organizations. Mel will be remembered for his wonderful sense of humor, his generosity, love of golf, tireless spirit, and his desire to live life to the fullest. His passing leaves a void to all who knew him, particularly his wife, children and granddaughter, who loved him very much. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Michigan State University basketball scholarship fund: Ralph Young Fund (Memory of Melvin Peterson), Athletic Development Office, Michigan State University, 200 Spartan Way, East Lansing, MI 48824.