Reflections of a Life Well Lived

Kyle Peterson began a life of humble beginnings in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the winter of 1934. His father Tommy Peterson, Sr. owned a lawn service and worked as a houseman for prestigious families in the area. His mother Carrie was a homemaker. Kyle was preceded in death by both his parents, his two brothers, Tommy Jr. and Donald, and his wife, Alice Faye.

Kyle attended Dunbar Elementary school, Carver Middle School, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1952. During these formative years, Kyle began working at a small market near his home. The owners soon began teaching him their native language of Arabic. By the time Kyle graduated from high school, he had accomplished much including co-authoring the Booker T. High School song which is still sung today. He had also acquired the ability to play several instruments including bass, guitar, trumpet, trombone, piano, and graced many with his lovely baritone singing voice. By the age of eighteen, he had also mastered fluency in the languages of French and Arabic and was quite the scholar.

Soon after completing high school, Kyle was drafted by the U.S. Army, which was looking for intelligent soldiers to combat the threats of enemy forces during the Korean War. The military made use of Kyle's many strengths and began to train him as a nuclear weapons specialist stationed at Ft. Sheridan, Illinois. While serving in the Army, Kyle entertained his fellow troops whenever possible, fine-tuning his musical talents. After leaving the military, he was recruited into special services by the U.S. Government where he was able to use his many attributes further to protect and serve his country. While in Illinois, he met a wonderful woman named Vera, who matched his wit and intellect. They soon married and became the parents of two boys, Kyle Jr. and Kevin.

As life threw many curveballs, Kyle eventually moved back to Oklahoma to be near his parents and younger brother Donald, who was lovingly known as "Wee Baby." Kyle was a hard worker, keen with his finances and began investing in local real estate. He acquired several rental properties over the years and was a stern, though wise landlord. During this time, he became certified in heating, A/C, and refrigeration in 1982. This knowledge presented new opportunities which allowed him to be promoted to maintenance mgr. of Washington Heights Apartments. Kyle also remained active in his dedication to protecting America's freedoms by accepting govt. invitation to join the U.S. Congressional Advisory Board as well as the American Security Counsel. Both organizations actively sought his counsel and advice on many pertinent military decisions, even until recent years.

During his maintenance duties, Kyle eventually came across a feisty young woman named Alice Faye who lived in the complex. He soon asked her out on a date then stood her up. After much grief and many apologies, she accepted his invitation once again, and the two hit it off right away. Several years later, they were married and together reared a daughter, Alison, whom he fondly referred to as "the baby," even unto his death. They remained joined in union for 25 years until Alice's untimely death in 2008.

Kyle loved in his own way, through loyalty, dedication, and being an unwavering provider. His word was indeed his bond, and you'd much rather have him for a friend than a foe. His personality seemed to walk on its own, and when he entered a room, everyone took notice of his unmistakable presence. He helped the elderly and supported causes he believed in such as politics and the local Sherriff's Department.  His front yard was a solace for young neighborhood children who sought a male role model. He never forgot a birthday, many times sending cards laced with a dollar for each year of age. His humor was witty and his mind overflowing with knowledge. He was always a willing help, loved good conversation, great food, and of course a toe-tapping tune. He played with many bands over the years and in the 90's formed the Greenwood Jazz Ensemble, which played many gigs including Mayfest. Kyle lived a full life and definitely left an unforgettable mark on the world.

Left to cherish his memory are his sons Kyle Jr. and Kevin Peterson, Illinois; daughter, Alison, Tulsa; aunt, Carrie Peterson, Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Erma Jean Peterson (Tommy Jr.), Missouri & Barbara Greene, Tulsa; brother-in-law Lynn Greene; nieces, Deborah Amayo, Missouri, Angela Hardman (Herbert), Tulsa, Léon Romanazzi (Greg), California; nephews, Kenneth Peterson (Joanne), California; Michael Peterson, Georgia, Donald Littlejohn; honorary daughter Nikki Driver (DeWitt), Tulsa; neighbor Prentice Whittaker, and of course hosts of many more nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends. Also left to cherish his memory are his adored "puppy" Milo the Chihuahua, and last, but not least, his pristine 1989 Signature Series Lincoln Town Car which has just under 35,000 miles.