Stuart Clayton Peterson, Sr.

Stuart C. Peterson Sr., 87, died peacefully January 31, 2022 at his home in Taneytown, MD.  Born on October 15, 1934 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Evelyn M. Peterson and Elton C. E. Peterson. In 1948, the family relocated to the Taneytown area, and Stuart graduated from Taneytown High School in 1952. Stuart continued his formal education and received both his Bachelor of Science degree (1965) and Masters of Science degree (1975) in Agriculture from the University of Maryland. He was happily married to Sandra Elaine Koons for 63 years.

From a young age, Stuart was very mechanically inclined, a valuable skill that helped prepare him for a lifetime of farming. His innovation was showcased with a one-of-a-kind milking parlor installed at the farm where he operated a dairy herd while also being employed by Surge Milking Systems.  After selling the herd in 1965, he was employed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in Westminster while continuing to operate his grain farm.  His career advanced with a position in the MD state office where he was politically appointed by President Reagan as the State Executive Director and then later as the Northeast Area Director in Washington, DC.  He retired from USDA in 1989, but continued to practice his love of farming.  Throughout his life he was an active participant and volunteer with a number of organizations including the Carroll County Farm Museum, the MD Farm Bureau (Young Farmers Organization), and MD Grain Producers.

Stuart was a licensed pilot of both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, and he owned his own helicopter.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling, and his family.  He had a deep love for his grandchildren and great grandchildren and a love for animals.  His wit, wisdom, and counsel will be sorely missed.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra, daughter, Susan K. Purcell (Keith), and sons, Stuart C. Peterson, Jr. (Lisa) and Steven J. Peterson (Winona); seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his brother, Robert Peterson and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.  He is predeceased by his brother, Elton Peterson.

The family will accept friends and family on Monday February 7, 2022 from 10-11 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Taneytown, MD. A Memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in Stuart’s name to Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, 38 West Baltimore St., Taneytown, MD 21787.  The service will also be Live Streamed on the church’s YouTube page, please visit:  Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church Taneytown.