John Ernest Peterson, 74, of Creswell died Wednesday, February 1, 2017, at his residence in Creswell.

Born July 14, 1942 in Washington, D.C. he was the son of the late Ernest Perry Peterson and Edith Absher Peterson. John was a retired police officer with Prince George County, Maryland and member of Creswell United Methodist Church. He was past commander and member of American Legion Post 248, Veterans of Foreign Wars 9619, the Masonic Lodge and Fraternal Order of Police.

His family includes his wife, Gail Norris Peterson of Creswell, N.C.; daughters, Jennifer Garino of MS. and Tammy Phelps of Creswell, N.C.; sons, Christopher P. Peterson and wife Denise of Fredericksburg, VA. and Allen L. Peterson and wife Kathy of Oxen Hill, MD.; sister, Candy Spitz of Hughesville, MD.; brothers, Phillip Peterson of Waldorf, MD. and Jim Wall of Creswell, N.C.; eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements will be announced by Maitland Funeral Home, Creswell.